TOKENISM Meaning and
Definition
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Tokenism is a concept used to describe a superficial or symbolic gesture made by an individual, organization, or group in order to give the appearance of inclusivity or diversity without any genuine commitment or intention behind it. It refers to the practice of including minorities, underrepresented groups, or individuals from diverse backgrounds in a way that is merely symbolic, to create an illusion of equality or equal opportunity.
Typically, tokenism involves selecting a few individuals who represent marginalized groups and placing them in visible positions or giving them limited opportunities, while the overall system or structure remains unchanged. It is often criticized because it fails to address the underlying systemic issues or provide meaningful representation.
The underlying motive behind tokenism is often to mitigate criticism or criticism of lack of diversity or inclusivity, rather than genuinely supporting and promoting equal opportunities. By doing so, tokenism can perpetuate stereotypes and reinforce existing power dynamics, as it does not challenge or seek to change the structures that uphold inequality.
In summary, tokenism refers to the act of making symbolic gestures towards inclusivity or diversity without any sincere commitment or meaningful action. It is a form of superficial representation that does not address the underlying structures of inequality and tends to reinforce existing power imbalances.
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Etymology of TOKENISM
The word "tokenism" is derived from the noun "token", which can be traced back to the Old English word "tācen", meaning a sign or symbol. Over time, "token" came to refer to something that represents or stands for something else. The suffix "-ism" is derived from the Greek "-ismos", used to form nouns denoting a specific practice, behavior, or condition. Hence, "tokenism" emerged in the mid-20th century to describe the practice of including a token minority or marginalized person in order to give the appearance of diversity or inclusivity, often without addressing systemic inequalities.
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