Sectarianism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
sectarianism
[หsekหte(ษ)riษหnษชzษm ]
Definition
religious
Sectarianism refers to the excessive attachment to a particular sect, party, or denomination, often resulting in prejudice, discrimination, or hostility towards those outside of the group. It can manifest in various forms, including social, political, and religious divisions.
Synonyms
sectarian bigotry, sectarian discrimination, sectarian prejudice.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sectarianism |
Used to describe strong support for a particular religious or political group, often leading to conflict or division.
|
| sectarian bigotry |
Used when referring to extreme intolerance and irrational hatred towards someone from another religious or political group. This term carries a negative connotation.
|
| sectarian prejudice |
Describes a preconceived opinion or judgment, often negative and not based on reason or actual experience, against people of a different religious or political group.
|
| sectarian discrimination |
Used to talk about unfair treatment of people based on their religious or political beliefs. It highlights actions and practices that disadvantage a group.
|
Examples of usage
- Sectarianism in Northern Ireland has led to decades of conflict between Catholics and Protestants.
- The rise of sectarianism in the region has deep historical roots.
- His sectarian views prevent him from seeing the value in other perspectives.
- The government condemned the sectarian violence that erupted in the city.
- Many conflicts throughout history have been fueled by sectarianism.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term originated in the late 19th century, relating to divisions among religious groups.
- Sectarian divisions have been present throughout history, often inciting wars and conflicts.
- The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century marked a significant period of sectarian conflict in Europe.
Geopolitical Context
- In places like Iraq, sectarianism has led to violent conflicts between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
- Post-colonial states often face sectarianism as a result of artificial borders drawn by colonial powers.
- Sectarian divides can also be seen in geopolitical tensions, like those between different ethnic groups in countries.
Sociology
- Research shows that sectarianism can foster in-group loyalty but is detrimental to overall societal cohesion.
- Social identity theory explains how people derive part of their identity from their group affiliations, often leading to prejudice against outsiders.
- Sectarianism can lead to stereotyping, where individuals judge others based on their group identity.
Literature and Media
- Many novels and films explore themes of sectarian conflict, highlighting the human cost of division.
- Authors like Khaled Hosseini illustrate sectarian strife in their works, reflecting real-world issues.
- Media coverage of sectarian violence often influences public perception and can exacerbate tensions.
Psychology
- Psychologists suggest that fear and misunderstanding of different groups can fuel sectarian attitudes.
- Group polarization theory posits that discussions among a homogeneous group can lead to more extreme positions on beliefs.
- Addressing sectarianism often requires interventions that promote empathy and understanding among groups.
Origin of 'sectarianism'
The term 'sectarianism' originated in the 19th century and was initially used to describe divisions within religious sects. Over time, it evolved to encompass broader prejudices and hostilities based on sectarian affiliations. The concept has been prevalent in various regions and has often been a source of conflict and division. Understanding and addressing sectarianism is crucial for promoting tolerance and unity in diverse societies.