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Parochialism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parochialism

[ˌpær.əˈkiː.ə.lɪ.zəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Parochialism refers to the tendency to focus on one's own local community or group, often to the exclusion of others. It can manifest as narrow-mindedness or a lack of awareness of the broader world.

Synonyms

insularity, narrow-mindedness, provincialism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parochialism

Used when referring to a focus on small, local issues to the exclusion of wider or more global perspectives; often implies a limited outlook that overlooks broader concerns.

  • His parochialism prevents him from understanding global economic trends.
  • The committee's parochialism has stunted regional development plans.
narrow-mindedness

Suggests an unwillingness to consider new ideas or perspectives, often used negatively to describe a lack of openness or tolerance.

  • His narrow-mindedness makes it hard for him to accept any argument that contradicts his beliefs.
  • The team's narrow-mindedness stifled creativity and innovation.
provincialism

Indicates a concern with local or regional matters to the exclusion of wider or national issues, carrying a connotation of being unsophisticated or limited in perspective.

  • Her provincialism was evident in her lack of interest in international news.
  • The newspaper's provincialism resulted in a focus on only local events.
insularity

Implying an isolated or detached perspective, often associated with reluctance to engage with different cultures, ideas, or experiences.

  • The community's insularity hindered cultural integration.
  • Her insularity made it difficult for her to adapt to the new environment.

Examples of usage

  • His parochialism prevented him from appreciating different cultures.
  • The company's parochialism limited its growth potential.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

In politics, parochialism can refer to the practice of promoting the interests of one's own constituency or region over the common good of the entire country. It can lead to conflicts and hinder national unity.

Synonyms

favoritism, localism, regionalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parochialism

Use it when referring to a narrow focus or limited scope, often with a negative connotation suggesting a lack of interest in broader or global issues.

  • Her parochialism prevented her from understanding the significance of global trade.
  • The company's parochialism is a major obstacle to expansion.
localism

Use it when speaking about the preference or focus on local interests and issues, without necessarily a negative connotation.

  • Localism can be a driving force in community building.
  • His localism was evident in his support for neighborhood businesses.
favoritism

Use it in situations where undue preference is given to one person or group over others, usually in a negative way.

  • The manager's favoritism towards certain employees caused unrest in the office.
  • Accusations of favoritism undermined his credibility.
regionalism

Use it when referring to the expression, promotion, or preference for the interests of a particular region, often used in sociopolitical contexts.

  • Regionalism in politics can sometimes lead to tensions between different parts of the country.
  • The festival celebrated regionalism through diverse cultural performances.

Examples of usage

  • The senator's parochialism resulted in policies that favored his state over others.
  • The mayor's parochialism clashed with the vision of national unity.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sociology

  • Parochialism can lead to a lack of understanding and tolerance among different cultures and communities.
  • People exhibiting parochialism may resist change or new ideas, often holding onto traditional beliefs.

Political Science

  • In politics, parochialism often manifests when local leaders prioritize their district's needs above national or global concerns.
  • This can create tension between different regions, especially when local policies conflict with wider goals.

Education

  • Within education, parochialism can restrict curriculum development, leading to a narrow focus on local history instead of a broader understanding.
  • Encouraging global awareness among students can counteract parochial tendencies, fostering a more inclusive perspective.

Cultural Studies

  • Parochialism can lead to cultural insularity, where communities become disconnected from global cultural movements.
  • It often prevents individuals from engaging in intercultural dialogue, reducing opportunities for learning and growth.

Origin of 'parochialism'

Main points about word origin

  • This term comes from the root word 'parish', which refers to a local church community, emphasizing local interests.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, originally describing a narrow-minded attitude present in certain communities.

The term 'parochialism' originated from the word 'parochial', which dates back to the 14th century and originally referred to the district or region of a parish. Over time, it evolved to encompass the idea of narrow-mindedness or limited perspective. The concept of parochialism has been discussed in various fields, including sociology, politics, and economics, highlighting the importance of broadening one's views beyond local boundaries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,131 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.