Partikularisierung

Partikularisierung is a concept used in social sciences to describe processes that emphasize particularity, locality, or contextual specificity as opposed to universal or generalized norms. It denotes a shift toward identifying with specific communities, regions, identities, practices, or institutions, often in response to perceived homogenization or external pressure.

In political science and public administration, partikularisierung refers to regionalism, federalism, decentralization, and the strengthening of subnational actors. In sociology and cultural studies, it appears in the growth of distinct local cultures, dialects, and social networks; in religious studies, the re-emergence of local religious forms or pluralization of practices; in law, differentiation and subsidiarity.

Drivers include globalization’s paradox of simultaneous integration and localization, demographic change including migration and diaspora communities, digital communication enabling localized coordination, and policy reforms that grant more autonomy to subnational units. Mechanisms include the formation of regional parties, local cultural revival, and the reinforcement of customary institutions.

Potential effects include improved policy responsiveness to local needs and greater cultural diversity, but also challenges to national cohesion, risk of parochialism or exclusion of minorities, and difficulties in coordinating across diverse local regimes.

In Europe, partikularisierung is visible in the rise of regional parties and autonomy movements in regions like Catalonia or Scotland, the protection and promotion of regional languages, and the accommodation of local traditions within broader legal frameworks.