dirigisme: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “dirigisme” mean?
A policy of strong state direction or control over economic and social affairs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A policy of strong state direction or control over economic and social affairs.
An economic doctrine where the state exerts a dominant influence over investment and resource allocation, often through indicative planning, subsidies, and ownership of key industries, without fully abolishing private ownership. It can extend to social and cultural spheres where the government guides development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
In UK discourse, may be associated with post-war French economic policy or EU industrial strategy. In US discourse, often used pejoratively to describe non-American styles of capitalism or excessive government intervention.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic/political writing due to proximity to and historical study of France.
Grammar
How to Use “dirigisme” in a Sentence
[Noun] is a classic example of dirigisme.The government practised a form of [Adjective] dirigisme.There has been a shift from dirigisme towards [Alternative System].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dirigisme” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The post-war government sought to dirigiste key industries.
- They dirigisted the economy through complex licensing.
American English
- Critics accused the administration of trying to dirigiste the tech sector.
- The policy effectively dirigisted private investment flows.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in analysis of regulatory environments, e.g., 'Investors were wary of the region's tradition of dirigisme.'
Academic
Common in political economy, history, and comparative politics texts discussing models of capitalism.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
A precise term in economics and political science to denote a specific type of mixed economy with strong state guidance.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dirigisme”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dirigisme”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dirigisme”
- Misspelling as 'dirigism' (less common).
- Mispronouncing the 'g' as hard /g/ instead of /ʒ/.
- Using it as a synonym for any government action, rather than a sustained doctrine of guidance.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While both involve state action, socialism typically advocates for social ownership of the means of production. Dirigisme operates within a capitalist framework with private property but uses state power to guide economic activity towards national goals.
Keynesianism focuses primarily on using fiscal and monetary policy to manage aggregate demand (e.g., government spending during recessions). Dirigisme is broader, involving microeconomic intervention, indicative planning, and direct state influence over specific industries and investment decisions.
France, particularly during the 'Trente Glorieuses' (1945-1975) period of post-war reconstruction and growth, when state planners used indicative planning to modernize industry.
Yes, depending on context. Proponents argue it allows for long-term strategic planning, correction of market failures, and rapid industrial development. Critics use it pejoratively to imply bureaucratic inefficiency and suppression of entrepreneurial freedom.
A policy of strong state direction or control over economic and social affairs.
Dirigisme is usually formal, academic in register.
Dirigisme: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɪr.ɪ.ʒɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪr.ɪˈʒi.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The heavy hand of dirigisme”
- “The dirigiste temptation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIRIGible (airship) being steered by the state. The state is the pilot (dirigeant) of the economy.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A HELMSMAN / PILOT (from French 'diriger', to steer).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST definition of 'dirigisme'?