Clientelism is a concept widely studied in sociology that refers to a particular form of social and political exchange. It involves the exchange of goods, services, or favors between individuals or groups based on personal relationships, rather than formal institutional arrangements or market transactions. This blog post explores the origins, characteristics, and examples of clientelism, as well as its critiques and impacts on society. Read more to understand the dynamics of power, social networks, and informal systems in various contexts around the world.