parochialism

American  

[puh-roh-kee-uh-liz-uhm] / pəˈroʊ ki əˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. a parochial character, spirit, or tendency; excessive narrowness of interests or view; provincialism.

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Other Word Forms

• parochialist
  noun
• parochialization
  noun

Etymology

Origin of parochialism

First recorded in 1840–50; parochial + -ism

Example Sentences

Parochialism and “group values” are bad, “universal” ones are good, but anyone deemed insufficiently patriotic gets the boot?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Parochialism and a wariness toward outsiders armed with expertise played roles very similar to today, says Bill Issel, professor emeritus of history at San Francisco State University.

From The Guardian • Apr. 29, 2020

Still, if he wishes, he could try something on the order of “The Intelligent Homosexual’s Guide to Academia and Parochialism With a Key to the Strictures.”

From New York Times • May 10, 2011

Parochialism is conducive to the enjoyment of the Church's beneficial influences, but often leads us to forget our responsibilities to the Church Universal.

From Catholic Problems in Western Canada by Daly, George Thomas

"Parochialism is the clog on the wheel of united Catholic Action in Canada."

From Catholic Problems in Western Canada by Daly, George Thomas