parochialism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a narrow outlook limited to local concerns or one's own group, with little interest in wider issues or perspectives

   Studying abroad helped her recognize the parochialism of the debate at home.

2. 2
   noun

   excessive concern for the interests of a particular locality, institution, discipline, or nation

   Regional parochialism prevented the councils from cooperating on transport.

Formed from parochial + -ism. Parochial first meant "of a parish," through Late Latin parochialis from Greek paroikia ("sojourning, community"). The figurative sense treats a parish-sized field of concern as a metaphor for an excessively narrow outlook.

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