Crosscutting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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crosscutting
[ˈkrɔsˌkʌtɪŋ ]
Definition
general concept
Crosscutting refers to aspects that intersect or apply to multiple areas or subjects within various contexts. This term is often used in fields like sociology, policy, and environmental sciences to denote issues or challenges that affect multiple sectors or groups simultaneously. The concept emphasizes the interconnectedness of various elements and suggests that solutions or impacts cannot be considered in isolation.
Synonyms
intersecting, multifaceted, overlapping.
Examples of usage
- Crosscutting themes in sociology
- Crosscutting issues in policymaking
- Crosscutting strategies for sustainability
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Education
- Crosscutting concepts are key in science education, encouraging students to see the connections between disciplines like physics, biology, and chemistry.
- Teachers use crosscutting ideas in lessons to help students integrate knowledge and apply it in real-world situations.
Environmental Science
- In ecology, crosscutting approaches look at how different ecosystems interact and depend on one another.
- Policies addressing climate change often require crosscutting strategies that involve economics, ethics, and environmental science.
Social Sciences
- Crosscutting themes in social studies explore how history, culture, and economics affect one another, providing a comprehensive view of societal issues.
- Research in sociology often employs crosscutting techniques to examine how various social factors, like race and class, overlap.
Pop Culture
- Films that interweave multiple storylines or perspectives can be described as using a crosscutting narrative style, engaging audiences with rich, layered storytelling.
- Popular TV series often utilize crosscutting techniques to reveal hints or thematic connections between different character arcs.
Origin of 'crosscutting'
Main points about word origin
- Originally rooted in the 16th century, combining 'cross' meaning to intersect and 'cutting' meaning to slice or divide.
- The term gained popularity in academic and policy circles to describe methods that connect various disciplines.
The term 'crosscutting' originates from the combination of 'cross-' and 'cutting'. The prefix 'cross-' is derived from the Old English 'cros', which means 'to mark with a cross', indicating intersection or movement across boundaries. The word 'cutting' comes from the verb 'cut', which has roots in Old Norse 'Kuta', typically signifying the act of severing or dividing. The amalgamation of these terms has evolved to denote an action or characteristic that slices across diverse dimensions or fields. In contemporary usage, particularly since the late 20th century, 'crosscutting' has taken on a broader meaning, especially in discussions surrounding integrated approaches to problems, signifying a need for collaborative strategies that embrace multifaceted perspectives.