thatcherism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumFormal, Political, Academic, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “thatcherism” mean?
The political and economic policies associated with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979–1990), emphasizing free-market capitalism, limited state intervention, privatization, individual responsibility, and strong national defense.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The political and economic policies associated with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979–1990), emphasizing free-market capitalism, limited state intervention, privatization, individual responsibility, and strong national defense.
More broadly, a political philosophy of radical economic liberalism combined with social conservatism, representing a decisive break from post-war consensus politics. Can also refer to the period of her governance or the style of assertive leadership she embodied.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British political term, central to discussions of modern UK history. In American discourse, it is used descriptively for a specific foreign ideology or comparatively (e.g., 'the British version of Reaganism').
Connotations
In the UK, connotations are intensely polarized (admiration vs. criticism). In the US, it's more neutrally descriptive or used academically.
Frequency
High frequency in UK political, historical, and media contexts. Low to medium frequency in US contexts, mostly in comparative politics or historical analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “thatcherism” in a Sentence
Thatcherism + [VERB] (e.g., Thatcherism transformed Britain.)the principles/legacy/rise of + Thatcherism[ADJECTIVE] + Thatcherism (e.g., neo-Thatcherism, rampant Thatcherism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thatcherism” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Thatcherite
American English
- Thatcherite
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Discussed in terms of deregulation, privatization of state assets, and creating a shareholder culture.
Academic
Analyzed in political science, modern history, and economics as a paradigm shift in Western governance.
Everyday
Used in political debates, media commentary, and historical discussions about the 1980s.
Technical
A specific term in political theory and historiography denoting the policies and philosophy of the Thatcher governments.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thatcherism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thatcherism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thatcherism”
- Incorrectly capitalizing as 'thatcherism'. Using it as a general synonym for 'conservatism'. Using it to describe policies in non-UK contexts without analogy (e.g., 'Polish Thatcherism' requires explicit comparison).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Thatcherism is a specific, radical form of conservatism that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing free markets and a reduced state, which differed from earlier, more paternalistic forms of British conservatism.
Yes, but only analogously. It is used to describe similar political projects elsewhere (e.g., 'Thatcherism in New Zealand'), implying a direct comparison to the UK model.
'Thatcherite' is a noun or adjective for a person who supports Thatcherism. 'Thatcherism' is the ideology or set of policies itself.
It fundamentally challenged the established post-war economic and social order. Supporters credit it with reviving the UK economy; critics blame it for increasing poverty, inequality, and de-industrialisation.
The political and economic policies associated with British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979–1990), emphasizing free-market capitalism, limited state intervention, privatization, individual responsibility, and strong national defense.
Thatcherism is usually formal, political, academic, journalistic in register.
Thatcherism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθæʧərɪz(ə)m/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθæʧɚˌɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for proper noun ideologies; often used in phrases like 'the ghost of Thatcherism' or 'Thatcherism's long shadow.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: THATCHER-ISM. The 'ism' (belief system) of Thatcher. Picture a strong leader holding a handbag (a symbol of her) next to a 'For Sale' sign on a national industry.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS WAR (Thatcherism 'battled' the unions, 'conquered' inflation). ECONOMY IS A MACHINE (Thatcherism aimed to 'deregulate' and 'privatize' its components for efficiency).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a core tenet of Thatcherism?