communalism
This term carries a dual identity depending on the geopolitical context. In Western sociological terms, it describes a cooperative social structure centered on shared resources and collective ownership, often evoking a sense of utopian idealism or grassroots solidarity.
In the specific context of South Asian politics, the word shifts toward a negative connotation. Here, it refers to sectarianism or the aggressive prioritization of one's own religious or ethnic group over others, frequently serving as a precursor to social friction or violent conflict.
Meanings
A system of social organization in which property and resources are owned and shared collectively by a community.
The early settlers practiced a form of communalism to ensure everyone had enough food.