boys' clubs
Young men's organizations
Boys' clubs are organizations providing recreational activities and mentorship for young males, historically offering safe spaces in urban areas.
The singular boys' club extends figuratively to any male-dominated group or institution that excludes or marginalizes women: Silicon Valley remains a boys' club.
The phrase often carries critical connotations, suggesting networks where men advance each other's interests.
Kinship among men
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- hazingAbusive initiation practices
- pledgeBinding promise given
- bondingForming close connections
rituals · Greek life · chapter · rush · legacy · frat house · secret handshake · alumni
Mutual palm-gripping gesture
- golf courseFacility for club sport
- boardroomCorporate decision venue
- cocktailsAlcoholic blended beverages
- cigar loungeEstablishment for tobacco enjoyment
alumni network · Rolodex · schmoozing · deal-making · power lunch · after-hours · happy hour · retreat
Informal elite mutual-aid system
- glass ceilingUnacknowledged limit blocking advancement
- gatekeepingControlling access to something
- cronyismFavoring friends in appointments
- insiderOne with confidential access
clique · in-group · closed-door · backroom · inner circle · membership · blackballing · velvet rope
Male-dominated social order
- male-dominatedControlled primarily by men
- misogynyHostility toward women
- gender biasPrejudice based on sex
- chauvinismMilitant devotion to group
bro culture · locker room · testosterone · machismo · mansplaining · boys will be boys · male privilege · hostile environment
Elite university athletic conference
- prep schoolPrivate pre-college institution
- poloMounted mallet sport
- Skull and BonesIvy League secret society
- OxbridgeCombined name, two universities
old money · trust fund · blue blood · aristocratic · hereditary · pedigree · debutante · social register
Preferring kin in hiring
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- legacy admissionFamily-based enrollment favoritism
- connectionsRelationships between things
patronage · influence · access · advantage · birthright · silver spoon · fast-track · sponsored
brotherhood
Kinship among men
- initiationFormal admission ceremony
- hazingAbusive initiation practices
- pledgeBinding promise given
bonding · rituals · Greek life · chapter · rush · legacy · frat house · secret handshake · alumni · mixer
handshake
Mutual palm-gripping gesture
- golf courseFacility for club sport
- boardroomCorporate decision venue
- cocktailsAlcoholic blended beverages
cigar lounge · alumni network · Rolodex · schmoozing · deal-making · power lunch · after-hours · happy hour · retreat · gentleman's agreement
old boys' network
Informal elite mutual-aid system
- glass ceilingUnacknowledged limit blocking advancement
- gatekeepingControlling access to something
- cronyismFavoring friends in appointments
insider · clique · in-group · closed-door · backroom · inner circle · membership · blackballing · velvet rope · barriers
patriarchy
Male-dominated social order
- male-dominatedControlled primarily by men
- misogynyHostility toward women
- gender biasPrejudice based on sex
chauvinism · bro culture · locker room · testosterone · machismo · mansplaining · boys will be boys · male privilege · hostile environment · harassment
Ivy League
Elite university athletic conference
- prep schoolPrivate pre-college institution
- poloMounted mallet sport
- Skull and BonesIvy League secret society
Oxbridge · old money · trust fund · blue blood · aristocratic · hereditary · pedigree · debutante · social register · white-shoe
nepotism
Preferring kin in hiring
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- entitlementAssumed right to benefits
- legacy admissionFamily-based enrollment favoritism
connections · patronage · influence · access · advantage · birthright · silver spoon · fast-track · sponsored · protected
boys' clubsgirls' clubs
Organizations for young females
women's organizations · sororities · women's groups · Girl Scouts · all-girls schools
boys' clubsmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
diverse leadership · inclusive workplace · level playing field · grassroots movements
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