The term refers to the approach of strategically gatekeeping opportunities and resources to ensure privileged access for one’s own offspring, mirroring practices described in the work of Amy Chua and her husband Jed Rubenfeld. This concept extends beyond the specific examples portrayed in their writings to encompass broader societal trends where elite families leverage advantages to maintain and expand their positions.
The impact of such behaviors is multifaceted. It can exacerbate existing inequalities, limiting social mobility and fostering resentment among those who perceive the system as rigged. Historically, these kinds of elite preservation strategies have played a significant role in shaping social hierarchies and influencing access to education, employment, and political power.
