THE CORE CHARACTERISTICS OF PATRON–CLIENT RELATIONS

What is meant by patron–client relations? Which types of relations are so defined?

Let us first give a few preliminary illustrations of such relations, taken from the abundant literature on the subject.

In Sicily, a student, interested in getting an introduction to a professor from whom he needs a favour, approaches a local small-town politician who owes him a favour. The politician puts him in contact with a cousin at the regional urban centre and the latter contacts an assistant to the professor who then arranges the appointment. The favour sought is granted and in return the student promises to campaign for the politician at election times.

In an Umbrian community of Italy during the period 1860–1945, patrons lent money or guaranteed loans, gave employment, helped to provide dowries for the daughters of the client families, provided medicines and helped to obtain medical services. They filled out the papers which were required for civil or administrative purposes, spoke to bureaucrats on their clients' behalf. As government benefits were introduced, the patron was needed to obtain them. Signora M., whose husband was killed during the First World War, tried in vain for months to collect a government pension for war widows; only after her patron spoke of her case to the appropriate officials did she succeed in getting it. The patron interpreted the law to his client and offered advice. If there were troubles with the authorities, the patron intervened.