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Nepotism




Nepotism is the showing of favoritism toward relatives, based upon that relationship, rather than on an objective evaluation of ability or suitability. For instance, offering employment to a relative, despite the fact that there are others who are better qualified and willing to perform the job, would be considered a form of nepotism. The word ''nepotism'' is from the Latin word 'nepos', meaning "nephew" or "grandchild".

The popular British English expression " Bob's Your Uncle " is often thought to have originated when Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess Of Salisbury promoted his nephew, Arthur Balfour , to the esteemed post of Chief Secretary For Ireland in what was widely seen as an act of nepotism.


PAPAL NEPOTISM

See Also: Cardinal-nephew