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regionalism

anthropology
Also known as: regional consciousness

Quick Summary

Regionalism, in anthropology, refers to a consciousness of and loyalty to a distinct region with a homogeneous population, or the development of a political or social system based on such areas. It is an intellectual construct used to define cohesive areas based on selected criteria, distinguishing them from neighboring regions. These regions can be nodal, organized around a central place, or uniform, characterized by a homogeneous distribution of phenomena.12

Regionalism can manifest in various ways, including ethnic, cultural, or linguistic identity (e.g., Provence), economic specialization (e.g., the Cotton Belt), or administrative units. It also encompasses an emphasis on regional characteristics in art or literature, and distinctive speech patterns of a geographic area. The concept is crucial for analyzing and planning public programs, and a sense of regional identity can be significant in historical and sociological studies.21

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