Bread and circuses
From BurnZero
Bread and circuses is a phrase from the time of the Roman Empire highlighting a methodology of the pacification of population by meeting other basic needs. Entertainment (circuses) and bread (food) can be offered to the public as an expedient means of reducing discontent or diverting attention from a source of grievance. In modern psychology, it can be seen as fulfilling the lower rungs of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs.