Fragmentation
The process or state of breaking or being broken into small or separate parts.
In social or media contexts, it often refers to the division of audiences, markets, or societies into numerous smaller, often isolated, segments, making broad consensus or shared experiences more difficult.
Word relationships
- division: The action of separating into parts, often with a sense of disagreement.
- splintering: Breaking into small, sharp pieces, often implying a violent or sudden separation.
- disintegration: The process of breaking into small parts or pieces and being destroyed.
- atomization: The reduction of a society or institution to a collection of separate, unattached individuals.
- unification: The process of being united or made into a whole.
- consolidation: The action or process of combining a number of things into a single more effective or coherent whole.
- cohesion: The action or fact of forming a united whole.
Word family
- fragment (noun): A small part broken or separated off something.
- fragment (verb): To break or cause to break into fragments.
- fragmented (adjective): Broken into fragments.
Collocations
- social fragmentation
- market fragmentation
- political fragmentation
- cultural fragmentation
Example sentences
- "The fragmentation of political parties into numerous smaller factions made it challenging to form a stable coalition government." Discussing political science.
- "The rise of niche online communities has led to a fragmentation of media audiences, making it harder for traditional news outlets to reach a broad public." Analyzing media consumption.
Memory hook
Imagine something 'FRAGILE' breaking into many small 'FRAGMENTS.' FRAGMENTATION is the process of breaking into pieces. Fragile breaks into fragments
When not to use
Avoid using 'fragmentation' for simple diversity or variety. It implies a breaking apart from a previous whole or a lack of cohesion.
Fun facts
- In computing, 'disk fragmentation' refers to files being stored in non-contiguous blocks on a hard drive, slowing down access.
- Sociologists use 'social fragmentation' to describe the breakdown of traditional social ties and institutions.
Related words
Explore more words
splinter, segment, balkanization, disaggregation, break down, crumble
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