Skip to main content
social imperialism

social imperialism

9.6
The spread of one culture's values and ways that weakens local cultures
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊʃəl ɪmˈpɪəriəlɪzəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : imperialismo social
  • Many argue that social imperialism can lead to the erosion of local traditions and cultures.

Examples

  • Activists are working to combat social imperialism by promoting and preserving indigenous cultures.

  • The film critic highlighted how social imperialism often shapes the narratives seen in mainstream media.

  • So I mean, social imperialism is part of a scene by, you know, by sort of the economic cannon.

Synonyms

hegemony
vssocial imperialism
  • Formal
18 9.5

Power of one country or group over others

is about cultural imposition specifically not general political leadership
neocolonialism
vssocial imperialism
1 9.9

A powerful country that uses money, trade or political power to control poorer countries

focuses on imposing cultural values that erode local cultures

Antonyms

A way for people from different cultures to share ideas, traditions, and customs

Knowledge and respect for cultural differences that helps people live or work together

How Dominant

colonization
26 6.0
social imperialism
  • Specialized
9.6
cultural diffusion
  • Specialized
4.4

Surface Forms

Morphology

social + imperialism

The phrase is compositionally built from 'social' (relating to society or culture) modifying 'imperialism' (extension of power or dominance), so its meaning as imperialism applied to social or cultural life is directly inferable. This straightforward adjective+noun pattern is common across languages and follows normal semantic modification, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should grasp the intended sense.

Etymology

Social imperialism links social (everyday life and culture) and imperialism (rule by a stronger country). Imagine a stronger country sending its language, schools, and TV into smaller places so local customs are pushed aside, and that's why the term means 'the spread and control of one culture over others'.