Homogenism

Homogenism is a term used in several disciplines to describe a stance or process oriented toward uniformity across groups, systems, or settings. In cultural and social thought, homogenism denotes the claim that globalization or modernization tends to produce a single, global standard—whether in language, consumer culture, or social norms—and that local differences will fade. Supporters argue that shared institutions, markets, and media create common outcomes, while critics contend that this view erases regional identities and power disparities and often serves dominant interests.

In biological and anthropological discussions, homogenism has appeared as a controversial label for arguments that human populations are sufficiently similar genetically to treat them as a single unit, or that variation between groups is negligible. Most contemporary researchers emphasize substantial intra-group diversity and gradual clines rather than sharp boundaries, and the term is used more as a polemical descriptor than a formal theory.

In science policy and research practices, homogenism can describe methodological or administrative biases that treat contexts as uniform, potentially masking important local differences. This concern is part of broader debates about reproducibility, generalizability, and equity in research and intervention programs.

Because of its negative connotations in debates about culture, race, and power, homogenism is often contrasted with pluralism, heterogeneity, and diversity-focused approaches. See also: homogenization, globalization, cultural imperialism, assimilation.