What does fraternalism mean?
Fraternalism is a formal noun describing the spirit of brotherhood, mutual support, and fellowship among people regarded as brothers or equals. It is especially associated with organizations, fraternal societies, trade unions, and movements in which members support one another through shared identity and collective action. In political and social thought, fraternalism can also name an ideal in which members of a community treat one another with the equality and goodwill appropriate to brothers. The word's connotations are generally positive, suggesting loyalty, cooperation, and solidarity, although it may occasionally sound institutional, archaic, or overly formal. It is related to fraternity, but the two are not interchangeable: a fraternity is a group, while fraternalism is the relationship, spirit, or principle binding its members together. The term is useful when describing both interpersonal bonds and broader theories of social equality.
nounFraternalism is brotherly affection, fellowship, or mutual support among members of a group. It can also denote an ideal of equality, solidarity, and goodwill among the members of a community.
- Brotherly affection, fellowship, or mutual support among members of a group.
- An ideal or principle of equality, solidarity, and goodwill among the members of a community.
"The organization's history reflected a strong tradition of fraternalism and mutual assistance."
"The miners' union was sustained by a strong sense of fraternalism."
"Fraternalism in political theory imagines society as a community of brothers rather than a hierarchy of rulers and subjects."
The plural is rare and is used chiefly when referring to distinct systems, forms, or manifestations of fraternalism.
"The essay contrasts fraternalisms based on kinship, religion, and shared political allegiance."
The suffix turns a family relationship into a social ideal: fraternalism asks whether brothers should be equals.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does fraternalism come from?
The word was formed in English from fraternal, meaning brotherly or relating to brothers, together with the suffix -ism. Fraternal was borrowed through French from Latin fraternalis, which derives from frater, meaning brother. The same Latin root also underlies fraternity and the English verbs fraternize and fraternalize.
Related word forms
How fraternalism is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon noun. In general use it often conveys solidarity and shared support, while in social or political theory it can refer more broadly to equality and fellowship.
Easily confused with fraternalism
A fraternity is a group or organization of brothers, whereas fraternalism is the bond, spirit, or principle of fellowship expressed through that relationship.
Paternalism denotes authority exercised as though by a father, while fraternalism emphasizes relations among equals and mutual regard between brothers.