What does exclusionism mean?
Exclusionism is the deliberate policy or practice of denying particular people or groups access to participation, rights, membership, or opportunities. It is most often associated with exclusion based on religion, race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, or political belief. The word generally describes more than an individual act of leaving someone out: it implies a pattern, system, or ideological justification for exclusion. Exclusionists may advocate restricting institutions, government benefits, employment, education, or public life to a preferred group. The term is used in both British and American English and normally carries a strongly negative, evaluative meaning. It is especially useful in political, legal, and historical discussion because it distinguishes systematic exclusion from ordinary decisions or circumstances in which an individual or organization is not included.
nounThe policy or practice of excluding particular people or groups from participation, rights, organizations, or membership, especially because of their identity, beliefs, or social status.
- The policy, ideology, or practice of excluding people or groups from participation, rights, membership, or social belonging.
"The campaign was condemned as political exclusionism because it sought to restrict citizens of one religious minority from public life."
"Religious exclusionism has historically barred members of minority faiths from public institutions and positions of influence."
"The editor criticized the proposed policy as a form of economic exclusionism that would deny smaller businesses access to major contracts."
The plural is grammatically regular but rarely used because the word normally denotes a general policy or practice.
"Historians compared the political exclusionisms practiced under two very different governments."
Exclusionism is exclusion with an agenda: it does not merely leave people out, it institutionalizes who does not belong.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does exclusionism come from?
Exclusionism is formed in English from exclusion and the suffix -ism, a combining form that indicates a system, doctrine, or characteristic practice. Exclusion derives from Latin exclusio, meaning “a shutting out,” which comes from excludere, “to shut out,” formed from ex- and claudere, “to close.” The related Latin word includere likewise uses claudere and helped produce modern English forms such as include and inclusion. In modern usage, the term developed alongside social and political doctrines that sought to restrict membership, rights, or influence to particular groups.
Related word forms
How exclusionism is actually used
The term is generally formal and appears in political, legal, historical, and social commentary. It normally has a strongly negative connotation and suggests systematic exclusion rather than an isolated act of exclusion.
Easily confused with exclusionism
Exclusionism usually names a policy or practice of shutting people out, whereas exclusivism can emphasize a doctrine or preference for admitting only certain people, beliefs, or tastes.