co-optation
A Dictionary of Sociology | Date: 1998
co-optation A term devised by Philip Selznick (see TVA and the Grass Roots 1949), to refer to a political process found especially in formally democratic or committee-governed organizations and systems, as a way of managing opposition and so preserving stability and the organization. Non-elected outsiders are ‘co-opted’ by being given formal or informal power on the grounds of their élite status, specialist knowledge, or potential ability to threaten essential commitments or goals.
March 19, 2009 at 1:46 pm
And if that does not work, they may resort to shunning but you know what? Who cares?
I’d much rather spend my time talking to straightforward, honest, ethical and fun folks 