Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive or narrow-minded concern for the interests of a particular region or section of a country over the interests of the nation as a whole. This is the primary meaning, referring to a political or social loyalty that prioritizes a local area.
   • A partiality for some particular place. This is a more general sense, describing a strong, often biased, preference or devotion to a specific region or locality.

Usage

• Sectionalism is typically used in political, historical, and sociological contexts to describe attitudes or policies that favor one part of a country.
• It often implies a divisive force that can weaken national unity.
• It is commonly used as an uncountable noun.

Examples

• The historian argued that sectionalism over the issue of slavery was a primary cause of the American Civil War.
• The new policy was criticized for promoting sectionalism by benefiting only the coastal states.
• His speeches were free from sectionalism and appealed to a national audience.

Advanced Usage

• "to foster/combat sectionalism": to encourage or to fight against regional divisiveness.
  • The leader's goal was to combat sectionalism and promote a shared national identity.
• "economic/political sectionalism": specifies the type of regional bias.
  • The debate was marked by intense political sectionalism.

Variants and Related Words

• Sectional (adj): Relating to a particular region or section; also, a type of sofa made in separate pieces.
  • The issue created deep sectional divisions within the party.
• Sectionalist (n): A person who advocates for or is characterized by sectionalism.
  • He was labeled a sectionalist for his unwavering focus on northern interests.

Synonyms

• Regionalism: Loyalty to the interests of a particular region.
• Parochialism: A limited, narrow outlook, focused on a local area.
• Localism: Preference for what is local, sometimes at the expense of broader considerations.

Antonyms

• Nationalism: Identification with and devotion to the interests of one's entire nation.
• Federalism: A system where power is shared between a central authority and constituent regions, often aiming to balance local and national interests.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• "States' rights": A doctrine in U.S. history emphasizing the rights of individual states, often associated with sectionalism.
• "North-South divide": A classic example of sectionalism, especially in U.S. history.

Noun

1. a partiality for some particular place