privatism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Socio-political
Quick answer
What does “privatism” mean?
A focus on personal life and interests, often at the expense of public or collective concerns.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A focus on personal life and interests, often at the expense of public or collective concerns.
A social philosophy or behavioural tendency where individuals prioritise their private life, family, and personal goals, withdrawing from civic engagement, public affairs, and wider community involvement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or spelling. The concept is discussed similarly in political science and sociology in both regions.
Connotations
In both varieties, it typically has a negative or diagnostic connotation in academic discourse, suggesting a societal problem. In casual use, it might be more neutral, simply describing a personal orientation.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language in both UK and US. Used almost exclusively in academic, journalistic, or political commentary.
Grammar
How to Use “privatism” in a Sentence
[verb] + privatism (e.g., encourage, foster, retreat into, lament the rise of)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “privatism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community is said to be privatising.
- (Note: 'privatising' is not a standard verb from 'privatism'; the noun is primary)
American English
- (No standard verb form derived directly from 'privatism')
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverb form derived directly from 'privatism')
American English
- (No standard adverb form derived directly from 'privatism')
adjective
British English
- A privatistic outlook characterises the younger generation.
- His privatistic tendencies were criticised.
American English
- The study identified a privatistic culture among suburban homeowners.
- Her attitude was seen as privatistic and detached.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in analyses of corporate culture focusing solely on profit without social responsibility.
Academic
Common in sociology, political science, and cultural studies to critique trends in modern/postmodern societies.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A highly specialised term.
Technical
A specific term in sociology describing a mode of social organisation and individual behaviour.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “privatism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “privatism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “privatism”
- Confusing it with 'privatisation' (the sale of state assets).
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'privacy'.
- Misspelling as 'privatis*m' (adding an extra 's').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Privacy is a condition (the state of being free from observation). Privatism is an active social orientation or philosophy of prioritising the private sphere over the public one.
In academic discourse, it is typically framed as a problem for democracy and social cohesion. However, from an individual perspective, valuing private life is not inherently negative, but the term 'privatism' emphasises the withdrawal from communal obligations.
The standard adjective is 'privatistic'. For example: 'a privatistic society'.
Yes, sociologists often use the term to describe a broad cultural trend where privatism becomes a dominant mode of social organisation and individual behaviour, weakening public institutions and shared civic identity.
A focus on personal life and interests, often at the expense of public or collective concerns.
Privatism is usually formal, academic, socio-political in register.
Privatism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprʌɪvətɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpraɪvəˌtɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Cocooning (as a related behavioural idiom)”
- “Bowling alone (related sociological concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: PRIVATism = PRIoritising the priVATe self. Imagine a person shutting their front door (private) and turning their back on a town hall meeting (public).
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A BODY; privatism is the WITHDRAWAL OF CELLS from the organism's shared functions. LIFE IS A SPHERE; privatism is RETREAT TO THE INNER CIRCLE (home/self).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes 'privatism' in sociological terms?