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Separatism: meaning, definitions and examples

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separatism

 

[ˈsɛpərəˌtɪz(ə)m ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political movement

The advocacy or practice of separation of a certain group of people from a larger body on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs. Separatism often leads to the creation of an independent state or territory.

Synonyms

secessionism, self-determination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
separatism

When discussing movements where a group seeks to create a new state or independent territory, often highlighting the desire to be different from the dominant group or country.

  • The movement for Catalonian separatism has gained significant momentum in recent years
secessionism

In contexts where a group or region wants to break away and form a new sovereign state, particularly in formal or historical discussions.

  • The American Civil War was partly driven by Southern secessionism
self-determination

A principle used when discussing the right of peoples or nations to determine their own statehood and forms of government without external coercion, often in legal or ethical debates.

  • The principle of self-determination is key to many international human rights declarations

Examples of usage

  • Ethnic separatism in Eastern Europe has resulted in the formation of several new countries.
  • The Catalan separatism movement in Spain is seeking independence from the central government.
Context #2 | Noun

social movement

The belief or practice of promoting the interests of a particular region or group over the interests of the larger society or nation. Separatism can manifest in cultural, economic, or political spheres.

Synonyms

factionalism, regionalism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
separatism

Used when a group wants to create their own independent state or government, often detaching from a larger nation for political, cultural, or economic reasons.

  • The movement for Catalan independence is a clear instance of separatism
  • The government struggled to deal with rising separatism in the northern provinces
regionalism

Applies to a policy or practice that emphasizes the distinctiveness and interests of a particular region rather than the central authority; often focusing on promoting the region's culture, economy, and political priorities.

  • The politician's campaign was based on strong regionalism, advocating for better resources for the rural areas
  • Regionalism can sometimes lead to tensions between neighboring areas
factionalism

Refers to divisions within an organization or society where smaller groups compete or disagree with each other, often leading to conflict and weakness.

  • The party's constant factionalism made it difficult to present a united front
  • Factionalism within the company led to numerous internal disputes

Examples of usage

  • The separatism in Quebec seeks to preserve French language and culture within Canada.
  • Economic separatism in certain regions has led to disparities in wealth distribution.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term originated in the early 19th century, from Latin 'separare,' meaning 'to divide' or 'to set apart.'
  • It first appeared in political contexts to describe movements demanding independence.

History

  • Throughout history, there have been numerous separatist movements, including the American Revolution where colonists sought independence from British rule.
  • In the 20th century, the breakup of the Soviet Union led to a wave of separatism among its republics, each seeking independence.

Political Science

  • Separatism can sometimes lead to peaceful negotiations, but in other cases, it can escalate to conflict or wars, as seen in the Yugoslav Wars during the 1990s.
  • There’s a theory called 'ethnic conflict theory' that explains how cultural identity can fuel the desire for separatism among minority groups.

Cultural Implications

  • Separatist movements often reflect deep-rooted cultural and social grievances, as communities seek recognition and self-determination.
  • Examples of current separatist movements include Catalonia in Spain and the Basque Country, which both aim for greater autonomy.

Literature and Media

  • Literature often explores themes of separatism, with authors highlighting the human experiences and emotions tied to the fight for independence.
  • Films and documentaries frequently depict the struggles of separatist movements around the globe, helping to raise awareness.

Translations

Translations of the word "separatism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 separatismo

🇮🇳 अलगाववाद

🇩🇪 Separatismus

🇮🇩 separatisme

🇺🇦 сепаратизм

🇵🇱 separatyzm

🇯🇵 分離主義（ぶんりしゅぎ）

🇫🇷 séparatisme

🇪🇸 separatismo

🇹🇷 ayrılıkçılık

🇰🇷 분리주의 (bunlijuyi)

🇸🇦 انفصالية (infisaliyah)

🇨🇿 separatismus

🇸🇰 separatizmus

🇨🇳 分离主义 (fēnlí zhǔyì)

🇸🇮 separatizem

🇮🇸 aðskilnaðarstefna

🇰🇿 сепаратизм

🇬🇪 სეპარატიზმი (separatizmi)

🇦🇿 separatizm

🇲🇽 separatismo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,935, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.