clientelism

 
Pronunciation: /ˌkliːɒnˈtɛlɪz(ə)m/
(also clientism /ˈklʌɪəntɪz(ə)m/)

noun

[mass noun]
  • a social order which depends on relations of patronage: the political culture is steeped in corruption and clientelism

Derivatives

clientelistic

adjective

Origin:

1970s: from Italian clientelismo 'patronage system'