old boys network
Privileged insider club
A system of informal connections among men who share backgrounds—typically elite schools, clubs, or social circles—through which they help each other with jobs, deals, and opportunities.
The network operates through personal loyalty rather than merit: He got the position through the old boys network.
The term often carries critical connotations, suggesting unfair advantage and exclusion of women and outsiders.
Also *old boy network* or *old-boy network*.
- eliteSuperior select group
- fraternitySpirit of brotherly connection
- private clubRestricted-access social organization
- cronyismFavoring friends in appointments
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
privilege · Eton · boarding school · ivy league · gentlemen · upper crust · alumni · connections · clubhouse · handshake · insider · establishment · ties · whiskey · cigars · mahogany · exclusion · favoritism
- groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
- elite networksinner circle, inner circles, cronyism, nepotism, favoritism
- sexismsexism, gender discrimination, sex discrimination, gender bias, male privilege
- influence peddlinginfluence peddling, backscratching, quid pro quo, kickbacks, payoffs
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- injusticeinjustice, inequality, discrimination, bias, prejudice
old boys networkmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
merit-based system · level playing field · fair competition · equal opportunity · merit-based hiring
old boys networkopen system
System with external exchanges
open access · open enrollment · equal access · open door policy · affirmative action
old boys networkaffirmative action
Programs boosting marginalized representation
network, older, oldest, olden, boys, boyish, boyhood, networks, networking