exclusivism
Definition
- Noun: Exclusivism refers to the practice or policy of restricting access, rights, or participation to a select group while excluding others, often based on criteria such as religion, ethnicity, or social status. It implies a tendency to maintain separation or privilege for a particular group.
Usage Examples
- (The group's policy of keeping their rituals only for members.)
- (The practice of limiting rights or opportunities to a specific population.)
Advanced Usage
"Religious exclusivism": the belief that only one religion or faith is true or valid, excluding others.
- The theologian criticized religious exclusivism as a source of conflict. (The view that one faith alone holds the truth.)
"Cultural exclusivism": the tendency to preserve a culture's practices and values by rejecting outside influences.
- The community's cultural exclusivism discouraged intermarriage with outsiders. (The policy of keeping cultural traditions isolated.)
Variants and Related Words
Exclusive (adj): restricted to a particular person, group, or area; not shared.
- This club has an exclusive membership policy. (Only certain people can join.)
Exclusivity (n): the quality of being restricted or limited to a select group.
- The brand's exclusivity increases its appeal. (The fact that it is available only to a few.)
Synonyms
- Elitism: the belief that a select group is superior and should dominate.
- Separatism: the advocacy of separation from a larger group, often based on identity.
- Particularism: the exclusive attachment to one's own group or interests.
Related Idioms
Keep to oneself: to avoid social interaction or sharing with others.
- The old man kept to himself, showing a form of social exclusivism. (He avoided mixing with others.)
Closed circle: a group that does not easily admit new members.
- The committee operated as a closed circle, practicing exclusivism. (Membership was restricted to a few.)