Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Tokenism
The practice of making only a symbolic or minimal effort toward the inclusion of underrepresented groups — enough to appear inclusive or compliant, without actually changing power structures or achieving substantive equality.
From 'token' (a symbol standing in for the real thing) + -ism; entered mainstream use in the 1960s US civil rights discourse
"Critics of India's corporate diversity push argued that mandating one woman director per listed company risked tokenism — placing women in boardrooms without giving them genuine authority over strategy, compensation, or succession decisions."
Critical analytical term for GS2 answers on reservations, affirmative action, gender equity, and governance. Use when distinguishing between formal and substantive representation: 'Women's representation in Parliament has increased through reservation, but concerns of tokenism arise when female legislators are not given leadership roles in key committees.' Also powerful in GS4 Ethics answers on equal opportunity and institutional bias. Applies beyond gender — to SC/ST representation, regional representation, and minority inclusion in public institutions.
