Main purpose of patronage

Answer 1

Patronage is the system of political, financial or social support that people give to each other. Usually - and since the time of ancient Rome - it means that a socially important person is supported in his position of power and he in return uses that power to provide his supporters where necessary with financial aid, jobs and other forms of help.

The most common form today is to be found in a lot of political systems where (financial) supporters of a politician are rewarded with jobs. African countries almost all have extended patronage systems. But even in the US big financial supporters of a succesful presidential candidates for instance are often rewarded with ambassadorships.

Although it may look like a form of graft to outsiders, patronage is often deeply embedded in a country's culture and their people see it as the fabric that holds their society together and as a form of social security.

Answer 2

Patronage is the act of providing approval and support. It is used to support or encourage a patron, as an institution or a cause.