tokenism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “tokenism” mean?
The practice of making only a symbolic or perfunctory effort, especially in diversity and inclusion contexts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The practice of making only a symbolic or perfunctory effort, especially in diversity and inclusion contexts.
Refers to superficial actions intended to give the appearance of fairness or equality without substantive change, often in hiring, politics, or social policies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.
Connotations
Similarly negative in both varieties, associated with insincerity in social justice efforts.
Frequency
Slightly more prevalent in US English due to broader discussions on diversity, but commonly used in both.
Grammar
How to Use “tokenism” in a Sentence
tokenism in [context]accusations of tokenismresistance to tokenismVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Often used to describe diversity initiatives that are more about appearance than real integration.
Academic
A key concept in sociology, psychology, and critical race theory, analyzing power dynamics.
Everyday
Might be used in conversations about fairness in workplaces or media representation.
Technical
In organizational behavior, refers to practices that fail to address systemic issues.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “tokenism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “tokenism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tokenism”
- Using 'tokenism' to describe any small effort without the negative connotation.
- Confusing it with 'token' as in cryptocurrency.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Tokenism is the practice of making only a superficial or symbolic effort to include members of minority groups, often to give the appearance of diversity without substantive change.
It can perpetuate stereotypes, create isolation for token individuals, and distract from the need for genuine systemic change.
Yes, tokenism can appear in various settings such as workplaces, politics, media, and education, wherever there is a pretense of inclusion.
Look for patterns where minority representation is minimal, symbolic, or not accompanied by real empowerment or integration efforts.
The practice of making only a symbolic or perfunctory effort, especially in diversity and inclusion contexts.
Tokenism is usually formal in register.
Tokenism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊkənɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊkənɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “token gesture”
- “lip service”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'token' as a small coin or symbol, and '-ism' as a practice, so tokenism is the practice of using mere symbols instead of real action.
Conceptual Metaphor
Tokenism is like a decorative plant in a barren field; it looks nice but doesn't enrich the soil.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of tokenism?