old boy network
Alumni favor trading
An old boy network is an informal system of connections among men who share a background—typically elite schools, clubs, or social circles—through which jobs, opportunities, and favors flow.
The term originated in British private school culture, where graduates ("old boys") helped each other advance: He got the position through the old boy network.
The phrase now describes any insider system that perpetuates privilege, often implying exclusion of women and outsiders.
Preferring kin in hiring
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- connectionsRelationships between things
- backscratchingTrading favors mutually
insider dealing · collusion · corruption · kickbacks · quid pro quo · string-pulling · back channels · influence peddling
Inherited cultural legacy
- lineageDescent from progenitors
- legacyWhat's passed down
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
- alma materOne's former institution
alumni · fraternity · regimental · customs · rituals · continuity · patriarchy · generational
Exclusive right or benefit
- aristocracyRule by hereditary elite
- upperclassHighest social stratum
- gentryHighborn but not noble
- bluebloodPerson of noble birth
establishment · prestige · power · dominance · affluence · wealth · snobbery · exclusivity
Controlling access to something
- insularityNarrow detachment from broader views
- cliqueExclusive social group
- segregationForced separation by group
- selectivityTendency to choose carefully
homogeneity · ingroup · discrimination · glass ceiling · boys club · closed ranks · blackballing · vetting
nepotism
Preferring kin in hiring
- favoritismPreferential treatment of some
- patronageSupporter's financial backing
- connectionsRelationships between things
backscratching · insider dealing · collusion · corruption · kickbacks · quid pro quo · string-pulling · back channels · influence peddling · revolving door
heritage
Inherited cultural legacy
- lineageDescent from progenitors
- legacyWhat's passed down
- conventionAgreed standard of behavior
alma mater · alumni · fraternity · regimental · customs · rituals · continuity · patriarchy · generational · inheritance
privilege
Exclusive right or benefit
- aristocracyRule by hereditary elite
- upperclassHighest social stratum
- gentryHighborn but not noble
blueblood · establishment · prestige · power · dominance · affluence · wealth · snobbery · exclusivity · hierarchy
gatekeeping
Controlling access to something
- insularityNarrow detachment from broader views
- cliqueExclusive social group
- segregationForced separation by group
selectivity · homogeneity · ingroup · discrimination · glass ceiling · boys club · closed ranks · blackballing · vetting · membership
- boarding schoolsboarding school, boarding house, dormitory, dormitories, dorm
- prep schoolsprep school, boarding school, private school, academy, convent school
- easy moneyeasy money, quick buck, fast cash, windfall, gravy train
old boy networkmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
merit-based system · merit system · level playing field · equal opportunity · civil service examination
old boy networkopen access
Free public scholarly content
diversity and inclusion · egalitarianism · equal access · affirmative action · democratization
network, older, oldest, olden, oldish, boyish, boyhood, networks, networking