Apartness: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 'Apartness' combines 'apart' (to be separated) with the suffix '-ness,' which indicates a state or condition.
• The word has roots in Old French and Middle English, where 'apart' meant 'to be at a distance.'
• It started appearing in English literature around the 16th century, reflecting a growing awareness of individual states.

Psychology

• Feeling apartness can lead to loneliness, which can have significant effects on mental health and well-being.
• Research shows that a sense of apartness can arise from social isolation, impacting self-esteem and life satisfaction.
• Cognitive psychologists study 'self-perception' to understand how feelings of apartness influence behavior and interactions.

Literature

• The theme of apartness is often explored in poetry, where poets express feelings of distance in relationships.
• Famous novels frequently depict characters who struggle with feelings of apartness, emphasizing the human experience of isolation.
• In existential literature, characters often reflect on their apartness from society, prompting deeper questions about identity.

Cultural Perspectives

• Different cultures handle apartness differently – in collectivist cultures, being apart may carry a heavier stigma than in individualistic societies.
• In art, feelings of apartness are often depicted through solitary figures, symbolizing emotional or social estrangement.
• Celebrations of connectedness, like community festivals, often contrast with themes of apartness, highlighting the longing for unity.

Sociology

• Social stratification can create experiences of apartness within communities, affecting opportunities and relationships.
• Movements aimed at social justice often address the impact of apartness in terms of race, gender, and economic inequality.
• In urban studies, the design of physical spaces can contribute to feelings of apartness or community bonding among residents.