separatism

Meanings

Plural: separatisms

Noun

• a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups
• a disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group; the principles and practices of separatists
  • "separatism is a serious problem in Quebec"
  • "demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education"
• advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state
• A theory or doctrine which supports a state of separation between organizations, institutions, or other societal groups (e.g. between church and state) or between different political jurisdictions (e.g. a country and its former colony).
• The practice of treating members of different societal groups in a politically, legally, or economically different manner.

Synonyms

segregation, separationism

Related Words

apartheid, secessionism, segregation, separatist