integralism
Low (C2)Academic, historical, religious studies, political science.
Definition
Meaning
The principle or belief in the necessity of making religion or a specific doctrine central to all aspects of social and political life.
A term, especially prominent in the early 20th century, for an ideology that demands the complete integration of state and society under a single, comprehensive religious or ideological authority, rejecting secularism and pluralism.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used to describe historical political-religious movements, particularly Roman Catholic movements in France, Spain, and Portugal in the early 1900s. It is distinct from 'integration' and 'integral calculus'. While sometimes related, it is not synonymous with modern 'fundamentalism', though they share anti-secularist traits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or pronunciation differences. The concept is most discussed in European historical contexts, so references may be more common in UK/European academic writing.
Connotations
Strongly associated with early 20th-century European, particularly Catholic, political history. In American discourse, it might be used more broadly or analogically to describe any ideology demanding total unity of belief and governance.
Frequency
Very rare in general usage. Slightly higher frequency in specialised historical or theological texts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the integralism of [group/nation]integralism as a [noun]adherence to integralisma critique of integralismVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and religious studies contexts to describe specific ideological movements.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood.
Technical
A precise term within its field of study.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb 'integralise' is non-standard and not used.
American English
- N/A. The verb 'integralise' is non-standard and not used.
adverb
British English
- N/A. 'Integralistically' is theoretically possible but virtually never used.
American English
- N/A. 'Integralistically' is theoretically possible but virtually never used.
adjective
British English
- His integralist views were at odds with the secular government.
- The movement promoted an integralist Catholic state.
American English
- The integralist faction sought to re-establish religious authority over law.
- Her research focuses on integralist thought in the 1920s.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- N/A. This word is too advanced for A2 level.
- N/A. This word is too advanced for B1 level.
- 'Integralism' is a word I learned in my history class about Europe.
- Some old political groups believed in integralism, where church and state are one.
- The philosopher critiqued integralism as an untenable model for modern, diverse societies.
- Portuguese Integralism (Integralismo Lusitano) was a significant political movement in the early 20th century.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think INTEGRAL-ISM: making one central belief INTEGRAL to the whole ISM (system).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BODY requiring one soul (religion) to function properly.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'интегрализм' (a rare direct calque) or 'интеграция' (integration). The closest Russian concept might be 'клерикализм' (clericalism) or the idea of 'государственная религия' (state religion).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'integral' (essential part of) or 'integration' (mixing). Using it as a synonym for 'fundamentalism' without historical precision. Mispronouncing it as /ɪnˈteɡ.rə.lɪ.zəm/ (stress on second syllable).
Practice
Quiz
Integralism is most closely associated with which of the following concepts?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While both oppose secularism, integralism specifically refers to a political project seeking a formal, holistic integration of religion and state, often with a defined historical context (e.g., early 20th-century Catholic Europe). Fundamentalism often focuses on strict adherence to religious texts but may not have the same explicit political blueprint for state structure.
Yes, by analogy. Scholars sometimes use the term to describe secular ideologies that demand a similar totality of belief and control over society, viewing the ideology as the indispensable, unifying principle for all aspects of life.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. You will encounter it almost exclusively in academic or highly informed commentary on political theology or history.
The primary criticism is that it is incompatible with pluralistic, democratic societies and human rights, as it privileges one set of religious beliefs over others and denies the autonomy of secular spheres of life.