Anarchism: meaning, definitions and examples
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anarchism
[ ˈæn.ər.kɪ.zəm ]
political theory
Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for a society without government or hierarchical authority. It emphasizes individual freedom, voluntary cooperation, and the abolition of coercive institutions. Anarchists believe that people can self-organize in a manner that is cooperative and non-hierarchical. This philosophy is historically grounded in the critique of capitalism, state power, and various forms of oppression. Anarchism manifests in various movements and ideologies, ranging from anarcho-communism to individualist anarchism.
Synonyms
anti-authoritarianism, free-spiritedness, libertarianism.
Examples of usage
- Anarchism advocates for decentralized decision-making.
- Some famous thinkers associated with anarchism include Mikhail Bakunin and Emma Goldman.
- Protests often reflect anarchist principles against state authority.
- The concept of anarchism can lead to various interpretations and practices.
Translations
Translations of the word "anarchism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 anarquismo
🇮🇳 अराजकता
🇩🇪 Anarchismus
🇮🇩 anarkisme
🇺🇦 анархізм
🇵🇱 anarchizm
🇯🇵 アナーキズム
🇫🇷 anarchisme
🇪🇸 anarquismo
🇹🇷 anarşizm
🇰🇷 아나키즘
🇸🇦 الفوضوية
🇨🇿 anarchismus
🇸🇰 anarchizmus
🇨🇳 无政府主义
🇸🇮 anarchizem
🇮🇸 anarkismi
🇰🇿 анархизм
🇬🇪 ანარქიზმი
🇦🇿 anarxizm
🇲🇽 anarquismo
Etymology
The term 'anarchism' derives from the Greek word 'anarchos', which means 'without a leader' or 'having no ruler'. It emerged as a formal political ideology in the mid-19th century, rooted in the works of philosophers like Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who famously proclaimed that 'property is theft'. The movement gained momentum alongside the rise of industrial capitalism and the corresponding social injustices. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, anarchism grew in influence, particularly among labor movements and socialist circles, advocating for workers' rights and opposing authoritarian regimes. Despite facing significant repression, anarchism has persisted as a relevant political ideology, influencing various social movements and creative expressions in contemporary society.