LOCALISM

'Localism' may refer to:

★ 'Localism' is a neutral term expressing focus on what takes place on a 'local' community level. 'Localism' refers to concern for and appreciation of the value of community including innovation, character development, needs, and accomplishment in a specific setting.

★ In general usage, 'localism' (''local+ism'') refers to a tendency of local groups (cultures, nations, communities) to be narrow in their worldview, and dismissive of concepts which emphasise broader concepts of community, such as globalism and universalism. In this context, localism may refer to exclusive or self-oriented concepts (ethnocentrism, nationalism, and classism), and is often a suitable substitute for terms which may be considered more pejorative in particular contexts.

★ In politics and activism, 'Localism (politics)' refers to a range of political philosophies which prioritise the local —ie. any political, social, or cultural measures or trends which emphasise and place higher value on local and small-scale political and cultural phenomena (ie. grassroots activism). This meaning is often used in direct contrast to corporate globalization, where international business is perceived to have impacted local culture in destructive ways (ie. McDonaldization).

★ In the politics of Thailand, 'localism' refers to the post-modern developmental perception (local green economics) which identifies the self-sufficiency of communities as ultimate objective of national development, as opposed to the neoliberal model which overtly seeks the maximization of economic growth with total disregard for the continuous loss of ecological sustainability, social solidarity and cultural integrity of the nation.