tokenist

Tokenist is a term used to describe a person who supports or engages in tokenism, the practice of making a symbolic concession to represent a group without instituting meaningful change. The word can function as a noun (a tokenist) or an adjective ("tokenist practices"). It is often used in discussions about representation of women, racial or ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. The concept arises from the idea of a token—a small, symbolic element intended to satisfy a demand for inclusion.

In practice, tokenism occurs when organizations appoint a single person from a marginalized group to appear diverse while maintaining the status quo in power, resources, and decision-making. Tokenist actions may be contrasted with genuine diversity and inclusion efforts that aim to remove barriers, empower underrepresented members, and ensure those individuals have real influence.

Critics of tokenism argue that it can mislead stakeholders, reinforce stereotypes, and undermine trust by performing diversity without addressing structural inequalities. It may also place disproportionate expectations on the tokenized individual and create a sense of inauthenticity. Proponents of broad, systemic change argue that tokenism should be avoided through proactive policies, accountability, and long-term commitments to representation, equity, and inclusion.

Related terms include token representation, performative diversity, quotas, affirmative action, and inclusive leadership. The term is common in discussions of corporate governance, politics, media, and academia, where appearances of diversity can be made without accompanying changes to power dynamics or resource allocation.