Patron/Client Relationships and Freedom

Question 1

In a Patron-Client relationship, what defines a “Patron”? What defines a “Client”?

Answer 1

Patron: holds resources and power
Client: benefits from patron’s resources and repays the patron through services, favours, etc.

Question 2

True or False: a patron-client relationship can be symmetrical or asymmetrical (in terms of share of power/agency).

Answer 2

False: a patron-client relationship must be asymmetrical (hierarchical). Otherwise it doesn’t fit the definition.

Question 3

Does a patron-client relationship have to be mutually beneficial?

Answer 3

Yes, otherwise there’s no point. Or it falls under some other category like blackmail or extortion I guess?

Question 4

Can a patron-client relationship exist over a fixed and agreed-upon time period?

Answer 4

Unlikely. One characteristic of PCRs is that they are open-ended.

Question 5

In a patron-client relationship, must the responsibilities of the client be clearly defined?

Answer 5

No. The client can be expected to “repay” the patron “at some later date” and in whatever way the patron deems appropriate.

Question 6

What might be considered the opposite of a patron-client relationship (as in, what is often the alternative in society)?

Answer 6

Bureaucracy (I think).

Question 7

In what way(s) might patron-client relationships be better than bureaucracies?

Answer 7

Any of:
- Often faster
- Can be more efficient in terms of resources/services exhanged
- Maybe some more reasons idk

Question 8

In what way(s) might patron-client relationships be worse than bureaucracies?

Answer 8

Any of:
- Undermines public accountability
- Generates resentment among peers
- Favouritism not in public interest
- Probably other reasons lol

Question 9

True or False: patron-client relationships allow for social mobility that would be impossible in a bureaucracy.

Answer 9

False. They do allow for social mobility, and it is faster than in a bureaucracy BUT mobility isn’t impossible in a bureaucracy just more difficult.

Question 10

What is meant by the term “positive freedom” with regards to anthropology?

Answer 10

Having the power or internal capability to do something.

Question 11

What is meant by the term “negative freedom” with regards to anthropology?

Answer 11

The removal of obstacles, constraints, compulsions to do something.

Question 12

Is the comparison between positive and negative freedom a description of “difference by degree” or “difference by kind”?

Answer 12

Difference by kind. the terms positive and negative describe the manner of freedom, not a judgement of good or bad.