Survivalist: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term combines 'survival,' which means staying alive, and 'ist,' indicating a person who practices or believes in something.
• The word gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly during times of social and economic uncertainty.
• Before the term became common, similar concepts were described as 'backwoodsmen' or 'frontiersmen,' referring to people living off the land.

Cultural Impact

• Survivalist communities often emphasize self-sufficiency, inspiring a range of reality TV shows, such as 'Survivor' and 'Naked and Afraid.'
• Survivalism has influenced popular literature, with many books detailing survival skills, such as 'The New Survival Handbook' or fiction like 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy.
• The movement has seen a resurgence in interest due to natural disasters and uncertain political climates, leading to more workshops and classes.

Psychology

• People drawn to survivalism may seek a sense of control in an unpredictable world, viewing preparedness as a way to cope with anxiety.
• Survival skills are linked to resilience, promoting mental fortitude and adaptability in facing challenges.
• Being a survivalist can create a strong sense of community, as individuals often share knowledge and experiences to support each other.

Skills and Techniques

• Survivalists often learn essential skills such as foraging, shelter-building, and fire-starting, which are crucial in wilderness survival.
• They may also practice urban survival skills, which include preparedness for emergencies like natural disasters or societal breakdowns.
• Many survivalists advocate for the importance of mental preparation and attitude in addition to physical skills when facing life-threatening situations.

Historical Context

• Survivalism has roots in military training, where skills like land navigation and resource management are essential.
• During the Cold War, the concept of survivalism gained attention as people built fallout shelters in preparation for nuclear threats.
• Modern survivalists often draw lessons from indigenous peoples, valuing traditional knowledge about sustainable living and resource management.

Ranking #38,450, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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