respectability politics

[ ri-spek-tuh-bil-i-tee pol-i-tiks ]

noun(used with a singular or plural verb)
  1. a set of beliefs holding that conformity to prescribed mainstream standards of appearance and behavior will protect a person who is part of a marginalized group, especially a Black person, from prejudices and systemic injustices: Black respectability politics embraces the illusion of a level economic playing field.Respectability politics place blame on groups already hindered by discrimination.

Origin of respectability politics

1
First recorded in 1995–2000
  • Also called pol·i·tics of re·spect·a·bil·i·ty .

Words Nearby respectability politics

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023