Dictators can fix up their entire families in good jobs, in or around government, and often do. In democracies, such a practice is frowned upon. Privileged access to the corridors of power through family connections and a kind of old boys' network, is also deemed an abuse of power, and so it is.

The quote by Jimmy Reid critiques nepotism and the abuse of power in both dictatorships and democracies. When he says, “Dictators can fix up their entire families in good jobs, in or around government, and often do,” he highlights the common practice of nepotism in authoritarian regimes, where family loyalty often outweighs merit. This reflects how power is consolidated by favoring relatives, turning government positions into personal assets rather than public responsibilities.

He contrasts this with democracies, stating, “such a practice is frowned upon,” acknowledging that while democratic systems formally reject nepotism, the temptation for privileged access still exists. Reid’s reference to “family connections and a kind of old boys’ network” exposes the informal networks of privilege that can undermine fairness and equal opportunity even in free societies. By calling this an abuse of power, he emphasizes that ethical governance requires merit-based access rather than inheritance of influence.

This quote also reflects Reid’s broader social philosophy, which champions fairness, accountability, and social justice. By equating nepotism in dictatorships with network-driven favoritism in democracies, he highlights that corruption is not always legal or visible but can thrive through social privilege. His words serve as a warning that democracy is not immune to abuse, and that vigilance and ethical standards are required to protect public trust.

The origin of this quote comes from Jimmy Reid, a Scottish trade union leader, activist, and political commentator known for his criticism of inequality and elitism. Reid became internationally recognized for his advocacy of workers’ rights and his famous 1972 University of Glasgow Rectorial Address, which addressed issues of power and responsibility. This statement reflects his commitment to social fairness, exposing how power structures, whether authoritarian or democratic, are vulnerable to abuse through family privilege and insider networks.