Good ol' boy network
From Free net encyclopedia
The Good Ol' Boy Network describes a system of social networking and perceptions alleged to exist prevalently among certain communities and social strata in the United States. Although the term originated in The South, these networks can be found throughout the US and the rest of the Western world. It is typically taken to refer to informal social, religious, business, and political associations among white males ("good ol' boys"); however, in modern times can be composed of either or both sexes. In some areas, the good ol' boy network is said to still exert considerable influence over many aspects of local government, business, and law enforcement. Usage of the term can often imply a wrongful exclusion of others from the network; however, often the emphasis is on inclusion of a member, as in, "doing a good ol' boy a favor".
The term refers broadly to a highly decentralized social phenomenon rather than to any organized group or groups; there is no central structure or organization. The good ol' boy network is said to manifest in institutions such as religious or fraternal organizations as well as the local bar.
Alleged effects of the network include ensuring that the leaders of a community can limit business transactions to other elites, or to friends or acquaintances from within the network, to give friends better deals, and generally to reinforce traditional power structures over any other elements in the society. Perceptions of prejudice among some communities against certain groups of whites who do not adhere to Protestant Christianity (primarily Catholics and Jews) is well documented in the USA and among other religions elsewhere. The network also functions like any other social network inasmuch as governmental, business, and professional connections and concessions often develop via mutual friendships and introductions established through the network.
A related concept, the old boy network in United Kingdom culture describes a similar social phenomenon, yet the derivation is different: "old boy," here, refers to alumni, or former students, that is, former classmates of members.