Parochialism

Definitions/Uses:

• selfish pettiness or narrowness
• limited and narrow character or tendency
• excessive narrowness of interests or view

Synonyms & Related words:

• provincialism
• insularity
• narrow-mindedness

Antonyms:

• universalism

Parochialism is usually the result of lack of broad experience.  But parochialism can also be the result of intentionally closing one’s eyes and silencing the voices of others.  Parochialism results in the locking of the mind and its eventual atrophy.  Parochialism is usually used pejoratively.  Of course it is a natural conservative reflex to protect that with which you are familiar and trust.   The reflex is to guard that which you find precious.

Some hold things precious after much reflection, some reflexively  out of fear of the unknown.  But it is important to understand that the parochial reflex can be useful.  It is an evolved adaptive strong module in the human mind.   But when better perspectives or methods present themselves, or when one’s world is changing, then such reflexes can blind oneself to better options — at that time we need the flexibility to rely on other modules.  But if they are atrophied in us, we must then look to others.See this TED lecture (2008) by Jonathan Haidt. (HT to Leah’s comment)

Etymology

Classical Greek: para- “near” + oikos, “house” = neighbor (paraoikos) Late Greek: Paroikos = sojourner (in Christian writers) Late Latin: Parochia = a diocese Anglo-French (13th c): Diocese and Perish become synonymous Present English: Parish is even more narrow than a diocese.  A Dioceses is made of perishes.

See other “Word!” posts, here.