Ethnodicy

/ɛθˈnɑːdɪsi/ noun

Definition

A philosophical or religious explanation that justifies why one's own ethnic group deserves power, privilege, or special status.

Etymology

From ethno- (ethnic group) and -dicy (from theodicy, Greek 'theos' god plus 'dike' justice). This rare academic term parallels 'theodicy' (justifying God's ways) but applies it to ethnic justification.

Kelly Says

Ethnodicy is the mental gymnastics people do to convince themselves their group deserves advantages—it's the intellectual backbone of ethnic discrimination.

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