separatism
SEP-er-uh-tiz-um
/ˈsep.ər.ə.tɪz.əm/
The advocacy of political, cultural, or religious separation from a larger group or nation.
Refers to the broader ideology or movement advocating separation, rather than the act of leaving itself.
The story behind the word. Derived from Latin 'separare', which combines 'se-' (apart) and 'parare' (to arrange). It entered political discourse during 17th-century religious controversies regarding groups seeking autonomy from established churches.
Word relationships
- isolationism: Isolationism is a foreign policy of avoiding foreign alliances, while separatism seeks local independence from a national sovereign.
- factionalism: Factionalism involves internal disputing within a group without necessarily seeking to split off into a nation.
- integrationism: Integrationism advocates bringing distinct groups into equal membership in a unified society.
- unionism: Unionism supports maintaining political union within a country.
Commonly confused with
- secession: Separatism is the ongoing ideology/movement; secession is the concrete act of formally pulling away.
Word family
- separatist (noun): An advocate of political or cultural separation.
- separate (verb): To set or keep apart.
Collocations
- ethnic separatism
- regional separatism
- rise of separatism
- militant separatism
Example sentences
- "Political scientists analyze ethnic separatism to understand why certain minority groups demand independent statehood." Political Science
Memory hook
SEPARAT-ism is the belief in keeping distinct groups SEPARATE from the central authority. Separatism keeps political units apart.
When not to use
Do not use to describe general political opposition that stays within the constitutional framework.
Fun facts
- The term was originally used in 17th-century England to describe Puritans who wished to split from the Church of England.
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