respectability politics
[ ri-spek-tuh-bil-i-tee pol-i-tiks ]
/ rɪˌspɛk təˈbɪl ɪ ti ˌpɒl ɪ tɪks /
noun (used with a singular or plural verb)
the set of beliefs holding that conformity to socially acceptable or mainstream standards of appearance and behavior will protect a member of a marginalized or minority group from prejudices and systemic injustices: Black respectability politics perpetuate the fiction of a meritocracy in public education.
Also called
pol·i·tics of re·spect·a·bil·i·ty.
Origin of respectability politics
First recorded in 1995–2000
Words nearby respectability politics
resources,
resp.,
respawn,
respect,
respectability,
respectability politics,
respectable,
respectant,
respecter,
respectful,
respecting