Groupism: meaning, definitions and examples
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groupism
[ ˈɡruːpɪzəm ]
social behavior
Groupism refers to the tendency of individuals to prefer and promote the interests of their own social, ethnic, or cultural groups over others. It can lead to tribalism, where loyalty to one's group can overshadow other values such as equality or justice. This concept is often discussed in the context of social dynamics and intergroup relations.
Synonyms
cliquishness, partisanship, tribalism.
Examples of usage
- Groupism can often lead to conflict between different social communities.
- In a workplace, groupism may create divisions among employees.
- Policies should be in place to counteract groupism among team members.
Etymology
The term 'groupism' emerges from the root word 'group', which has Old English origins (grōup) with connections to Middle Dutch (groep) and Old Norse (grúppa), meaning a 'band' or 'couple'. As societies evolved, so did the concept of social groups, leading to the emergence of various forms of solidarity and identity. Groupism reflects the psychological and social dynamics inherent in human behavior, particularly the tendency to form in-groups and out-groups, influencing everything from politics to personal relationships. The prefix 'ism' is commonly used in English to denote a distinctive practice, system, or philosophy, reinforcing how group-centric behaviors impact our interactions and perceptions in a socially interconnected world.