1. A disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group; the principles and practices of separatists
   "separatism is a serious problem in Québec"; "demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education"
    
2. Advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state
   "The group's separatism led them to oppose any religious symbols in government buildings";
   - separationism
    
3. A social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups
   "The civil rights movement fought against racial separatism in schools";
   - segregation

Derived forms: separatisms

Type of: disposition, separation, social organisation [Brit], social organization, social structure, social system, structure

Encyclopedia: Separatism