Survivalism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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survivalism
[sərˈvīvəˌlizəm ]
Definition
way of life
Survivalism is a way of life or philosophy that emphasizes self-reliance and the ability to survive in adverse conditions, such as natural disasters or societal collapse. It often involves learning survival skills, stockpiling food and supplies, and preparing for emergencies.
Synonyms
emergency preparedness, prepping, self-sufficiency.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| survivalism |
Used when referring to a lifestyle or movement focused on surviving through self-reliance and often anticipating catastrophic events. It can sometimes carry a tone of extremism.
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| self-sufficiency |
Used in a broader context to refer to the ability to sustain oneself without external assistance, not only in emergencies but also in daily life. It has a positive connotation of independence and ingenuity.
|
| prepping |
Informal term commonly used within a community of people who prepare for emergencies or disasters by stockpiling supplies. It can sometimes carry a stereotype of paranoia.
|
| emergency preparedness |
Generally used in a more formal or professional context, often by organizations or institutions focusing on planning and readiness for various types of emergencies, including natural disasters and human-made crises.
|
Examples of usage
- Many survivalists believe in being prepared for any situation.
- Survivalism has gained popularity in recent years due to increasing concerns about global instability.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Modern survivalism emerged after the Cold War, as fears of nuclear threats prompted individuals to stockpile supplies.
- The 1990s saw survivalism gain popularity with the rise of 'Y2K' concerns, where people prepared for potential chaos due to computer system failures.
Popular Culture
- Books and shows like 'Survivor' and 'Naked and Afraid' helped popularize the ideals of survivalism among a wider audience.
- Survivalist themes appear in video games like 'The Last of Us', where characters must navigate apocalyptic environments.
Psychology
- Survivalistic mindset often stems from a deep-seated fear of societal collapse or natural disasters, prompting individuals to seek control and preparedness.
- Studies show that engaging in survival training can foster self-efficacy and confidence in individuals facing uncertainty.
Skills and Techniques
- Common survival skills include shelter building, finding and purifying water, and identifying edible plants.
- Survivalism also promotes physical fitness, as being in peak condition can significantly help during emergencies.
- Urban survivalism teaches individuals how to navigate and thrive in city environments during crises, emphasizing adaptability.
Origin of 'survivalism'
Main points about word origin
- The word combines 'survival', from the Latin 'supervivere', meaning 'to live on', with '-ism', indicating a practice or ideology.
- The concept has evolved since the mid-20th century, originally taking off in the context of nuclear fallout preparedness.
The concept of survivalism can be traced back to various historical events and ideologies, such as the Cold War era and the rise of environmentalism in the 1960s and 1970s. The term 'survivalism' itself became more prominent in the 1980s with the publication of books like 'The Road Less Traveled' by M. Scott Peck and 'The Modern Survival Manual' by Barry Davies. These works popularized the idea of self-reliance and preparedness in the face of potential disasters.
See also: survivability, survival, surviving, survivor, survivors.