What is nepotism?
Q: What is nepotism?
A: Nepotism is when a person in authority gives jobs to their relatives.
Q: Where does the word "nepotism" come from?
A: The word "nepotism" comes from the Italian word "nepote", which means nephew.
Q: What are some examples of nepotism in history?
A: Examples of nepotism in history include Pope Callixtus III appointing two of his nephews as cardinals, and Pope Paul III appointing two of his nephews, aged 14 and 16, as cardinals.
Q: How was the practice of nepotism finally ended?
A: The practice was finally ended when Pope Innocent XII issued the bull Romanum decet Pontificem, in 1692. This papal bull prohibited popes from bestowing estates, offices or revenues on any relative with the exception that one qualified relative (at most) could be made a cardinal.
Q: Why is nepotism thought to be wrong today?
A: In the modern world, nepotism is thought to be wrong because it conflicts with the principle of meritocracy - where the best person gets the job - rather than being based on family connections.
Q: How does nepotism affect a country's economy?
A: It is argued that widespread nepotism can damage a country's economy by preventing talented people from getting jobs they deserve; however this has been difficult to prove conclusively.
