Reactionism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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reactionism

[riˈækʃəˌnɪzəm ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

political ideology

Reactionism is a political ideology that advocates for the restoration of a previous state of affairs, often opposing progress or reform. It typically seeks to preserve traditional values and institutions, viewing change as a threat to stability and order.

Synonyms

conservatism, retrogression, traditionalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reactionism	Typically used in a political or social sense to describe a stance that strongly opposes progressive changes and wants to return to a previous state. It often has a negative connotation. His reactionism made him unpopular among the younger, more progressive members of the party. The editorial criticized the government for its reactionism in handling social reforms.
conservatism	Refers to a belief in maintaining established traditions and resisting major changes, often associated with political, social, or economic policies. Her conservatism is evident in her belief in free markets and limited government intervention. The party's conservatism appeals to voters who value stability and tradition.
traditionalism	Emphasizes the importance of adhering to traditional practices and values, particularly in cultural, religious, or social contexts. Their traditionalism is reflected in the way they celebrate old customs and rituals. The community's traditionalism can be seen in its resistance to modern architectural styles.
retrogression	Denotes a movement backward or a return to a less advanced state, used in both literal and figurative senses. It often implies a negative turn of events or decline. The country faced economic retrogression after years of steady growth. His retrogression into old habits was disappointing to those who supported his recovery.

Examples of usage

Many critics argue that reactionism is a hindrance to social progress.
His reactionary views are rooted in a deep fear of change.
The rise of reactionism can be seen as a response to rapid societal changes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

emotional response

Reactionism can also refer to an emotional response characterized by quick, impulsive reactions to stimuli. It often involves instinctive rather than reasoned responses.

Synonyms

impetuousness, impulsiveness, reactivity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
reactionism	Used to describe a political stance or attitude that opposes progress or change and seeks to maintain traditional values. Often has a negative connotation. His reactionism became evident when he opposed all the new reforms in the education system. The party's reactionism has alienated many younger voters who are looking for change.
impulsiveness	Refers to actions taken quickly and without careful thought, often driven by emotions or a sudden urge. Can be neutral but often carries a slightly negative implication of lack of control. Her impulsiveness makes her a fun friend, but sometimes gets her into tricky situations. He bought the car on a whim, showing his impulsiveness.
impetuousness	Describes behavior that is rash or hasty, often without careful thought. It can have negative connotations, implying recklessness. Her impetuousness led her to make a quick decision that she later regretted. His impetuousness often gets him into trouble because he acts before thinking.
reactivity	Describes a tendency to respond quickly and intensely to stimuli or events. Can be used in both positive and negative contexts depending on the situation. Her reactivity to criticism often led to heated arguments. The chemical's reactivity makes it ideal for certain types of reactions.

Examples of usage

Her reactionism to the news was immediate and intense.
Their reactionism to criticism is often defensive and hostile.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'reactionism' originated during periods of significant social and political change, where traditional ways were challenged by new ideas.
Reactionism gained prominence as a response to revolutions, such as the French Revolution, where people sought to reinstate earlier monarchies and social orders.
In the 19th century, various political movements emerged as reactionary forces against the rise of liberalism and capitalism.

Political Science

Social movements often arise as reactionism in response to progressive policies or changes, pushing back to traditional norms.
In politics, reactionism can manifest as authoritarianism, where leaders enforce strict adherence to outdated laws or social roles.
Economic reactions can occur as policies favoring old industries combat new, emerging technologies, illustrating how businesses perceive change.

Cultural Perspectives

Cultural reactionism often appears when communities feel their identity is threatened by globalization or modernization.
Art and literature reflect reactions against contemporary trends; for example, movements like the Pre-Raphaelites emphasized returning to earlier artistic styles.
Reactionary stances can drive controversy, leading to debates about heritage versus progress in community discussions.

Psychology

Psychologically, individuals might react with nostalgia, seeking comfort from past routines when faced with stress from change.
Cognitive dissonance can play a role; when new ideas conflict with deeply held beliefs, people may unconsciously cling to the familiar.
Fear of the unknown often fuels reactionism, where uncertainty about future changes creates a strong desire to retreat to what is known.

Modern Examples

Recent political movements in various countries exhibit elements of reactionism, opposing progressive social changes like LGBTQ+ rights.
In technology, some industries resist adopting innovative solutions, preferring established practices to mitigate risk.
Public debates surrounding climate change solutions often reveal reactionist policies, as groups advocate for traditional energy sources over renewables.

Origin of 'reactionism'

The term 'reactionism' originated in the mid-19th century as a political label to describe those who opposed liberal or progressive movements. It stems from the word 'reaction,' which refers to a response or opposition to a previous action. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not just political ideologies but also emotional reactions. Today, reactionism is often associated with conservatism and resistance to change.