What does sectionalism mean?
Sectionalism is the practice or tendency of giving priority to the interests of a particular region, class, ethnic group, or faction rather than to the wider community. It commonly appears in political discussion, where it describes loyalties that cut across the nation or organization and create competition between groups. The word often carries a strongly negative connotation: sectionalism suggests that leaders may exploit regional or social divisions for political advantage rather than pursue common goals. In American political history, the term is especially associated with disputes between the North and South and with the tensions surrounding slavery before the Civil War. Outside politics, it can describe any persistent division based on location or group identity. Sectionalism differs from ordinary disagreement because it implies a broader pattern of competing loyalties that weakens solidarity.
nounThe tendency to prioritize the interests of a particular region, social group, or faction over those of a larger community. In political usage, it often refers to division based on geography or competing group loyalties.
- Attachment to the interests of a particular region or social group, often at the expense of broader unity.
- Division or conflict within a political body caused by competing regional or group loyalties.
"The campaign was accused of fostering sectionalism by appealing to regional differences rather than shared national interests."
"Historians have debated the role of sectionalism in the years leading up to the American Civil War."
"The party’s internal disagreements reflected a deeper culture of sectionalism."
The plural is rarely used; the uncountable form is more common when referring to the general condition or political tendency.
"The newspaper described several competing sectionalisms within the new administration."
Sectionalism is a political warning label for the moment a shared public interest starts to look like a collection of competing regional camps.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sectionalism come from?
Sectionalism was formed in English from sectional, meaning relating to a section or division, together with the suffix -ism, which forms nouns denoting a condition, doctrine, or tendency. The word appears in English in the early 19th century, particularly in political contexts. Its development reflects the earlier history of section, which comes from Latin sectio, a cutting or division, and ultimately from secare, ‘to cut’. The related adjective sectional and its derivatives use the same division-based root.
Related word forms
How sectionalism is actually used
The term is usually negative or critical. It is most common in political and historical discussion, particularly in the United States, but can be used more broadly for regional, class, or communal divisions.
Easily confused with sectionalism
Factionalism is conflict or division among factions within an organization or political body, whereas sectionalism more specifically emphasizes loyalty to a region, class, or other social group.
Particularism means giving priority to a particular person, group, or concern, while sectionalism typically refers more strongly to divisions based on geographic or broad social divisions.