Good ol' boy network

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 southern United States (commonly, The South). It is typically taken to refer to informal social, religious, business, and political associations among white Southern males ("good ol' boys"). In some areas of the South, 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".

Related Topics:
Southern United States - The South - Government - Business - Law enforcement

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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 conservative white Protestant churches and the local bar.

Related Topics:
Protestant - Bar

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Alleged effects of the network include ensuring that the white members of a community can limit business transactions to only other whites, or to friends or acquaintances from within the network, to give white clients better deals, and generally to enforce traditional white conservative dominance over any other elements in the society. Perceptions of prejudice among some Southern communities against certain groups of white who do not adhere to Protestant Christianity (primarily Catholics and Jews) is well documented. 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.

Related Topics:
Catholic - Jew - Social network

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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.

Related Topics:
Old boy network - United Kingdom

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