Sectarism is spelled with two "c's" followed by "t" and "a." Its IPA phonetic transcription is /ˈsɛktərɪzəm/. The first syllable "sɛkt" follows the pattern of "sɛt" and "sɛlf," while the second syllable "ərɪ" follows the pattern of "vɪrɪ" and "mɪrɪ." The suffix "-ism" is pronounced as "ɪzəm" and is added to signify a practice or ideology. Sectarism refers to excessive adherence to a particular religious or political sect or denomination.
Sectarism refers to a biased or exclusive adherence to a particular sect, religious group, or faction, often resulting in prejudiced attitudes and actions towards others who do not belong to the same group. It can also be characterized by an excessive and narrow-minded loyalty to the principles, doctrines, or practices of a particular sect, often at the expense of open-mindedness and tolerance.
In the context of religion, sectarism manifests as the belief in the superiority and absolute truth of one's own religious sect while dismissing or denigrating other belief systems. This can lead to hostility, prejudice, and discrimination towards individuals or groups who hold different religious or spiritual beliefs.
Sectarism may also extend beyond religious contexts and into political, social, or ideological realms. It can involve unwavering allegiance to a specific political party, social ideology, or cultural group, often with an unwillingness to consider other perspectives or engage in constructive dialogue. This narrow-mindedness and fixation on one's own beliefs can foster divisions and conflict within communities, inhibiting cooperation and understanding among various factions.
Countering sectarism requires promoting inclusivity, respect, and understanding of diverse viewpoints. Encouraging interfaith or intergroup dialogue, cultivating empathy, and fostering a sense of shared humanity are essential steps towards overcoming sectarism and building a more harmonious and inclusive society.
The word "sectarism" is derived from the noun "sect", which originated from the Latin word "secta", meaning "following" or "path". In Latin, "secta" referred to a religious or philosophical movement or group. The suffix "-ism" is a productive suffix in English, used to create nouns denoting systems, practices, or doctrines associated with a particular concept. Thus, "sectarism" combines "sect" with "-ism" to refer to the ideology or practice associated with sectarian behavior, which often involves rigid adherence to a particular sect or division within a larger religious or political group.