Collectivise, spelled /kəˈlektɪvaɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, is a verb which means to bring something under collective control or ownership. The word is spelled with a "c" instead of a "k" because it follows the standard English spelling convention. It is pronounced with the accent on the second syllable and is spelled with an "ise" at the end, which is a common suffix used in words of British origin. The pronunciation and spelling of collectivise make it clear how the word should be correctly used and written.
Collectivise is a verb that refers to the act of bringing together or organizing something, typically with the aim of sharing resources or redistributing wealth and power. This term is commonly used in the context of politics and economics, particularly in reference to the establishment of collective ownership or control over means of production or a society's resources.
When a group or society decides to collectivise a particular aspect, it means they are pooling their resources or assets, and often establishing a system where decisions regarding these resources are made collectively rather than individually. This may involve the creation of cooperatives, communes, or other forms of communal organization.
The process of collectivisation is often associated with socialist or communist ideologies, where there is an emphasis on collective ownership, shared responsibilities, and the elimination of private property. Historical examples include the collectivisation efforts during the Soviet Union under Lenin and Stalin, the establishment of kibbutz communities in Israel, and the communal systems implemented in certain indigenous societies.
While collectivisation can promote equitable resource distribution and foster community solidarity, it can also encounter challenges. For instance, disagreements may arise regarding decision-making processes, distribution of resources, or individual rights versus collective interests. Moreover, collectivisation sometimes involves reorganizing existing systems or changing social norms, which can be met with resistance or conflicts within a society.
The word "collectivise" is derived from the Latin word "collectivus", which means "to gather together or unite". The Latin word itself is a combination of "collegere" meaning "to gather" and "vivere" meaning "to live". The term "collectivise" became popular in the mid-19th century and is primarily associated with the political and economic concept of collectivization. This process involves the consolidation or nationalization of privately owned resources or industries under collective or state control. The word gained more prominence during the Russian Revolution and subsequent Soviet Union, as collectivization was a central policy of the communist regime.