Totalistic: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The term stems from the word 'total', which means 'whole' or 'complete', combined with 'istic', indicating a certain system of thought or behavior.
• Totalistic ideas gained prominence in the 20th century during and after global conflicts, as societies looked for cohesive structures for governance and control.

Political Science

• Totalistic regimes often suppress dissent by controlling media, education, and even personal beliefs, aiming for uniformity among citizens.
• Examples include totalitarian governments, which seek total control over public and private life, such as North Korea under Kim Jong-un.

Psychology

• In psychological contexts, totalistic environments can lead to cognitive dissonance, where individuals struggle to reconcile their beliefs with imposed ideologies.
• Research shows that people in totalistic systems may experience identity loss, as personal values get overshadowed by group norms.

Cultural Reference

• Totalistic worldview can be reflected in literature, such as dystopian novels where characters navigate oppressive societies that dictate all aspects of life.
• In film, totalistic themes often emerge in stories about anti-heroes fighting against authoritarian control, like in 'V for Vendetta'.

Sociology

• Sociologists study totalistic groups or cults, which often demand complete loyalty and may isolate members from the outside world.
• These groups tend to use intense indoctrination techniques to align members' thoughts and actions with the group's beliefs.