Tribalism
A societal issue discussed as a major source of division, which accentuates impulses of envy and resentment, particularly when based on immutable characteristics like race.
First Mentioned
1/8/2026, 4:23:51 AM
Last Updated
1/8/2026, 4:25:36 AM
Research Retrieved
1/8/2026, 4:25:36 AM
Summary
Tribalism is a socio-political phenomenon rooted in human evolution, specifically the survival-based organization of small hunter-gatherer groups. While it provides essential benefits like belonging and cooperation, in a modern political context, it often manifests as corrosive in-group loyalty and discriminatory attitudes toward out-groups. Commentator Tucker Carlson identifies tribalism, alongside media control and a lack of national cohesion, as a primary driver of societal decay in the United States, arguing that even excessive prosperity can fuel these divisive tendencies. Philosophically, it has been described as a product of irrationalism and collectivism, while in contemporary society, it is frequently observed in sports affiliations and political polarization.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Definition
The state of being organized by or advocating for tribal lifestyles or strong in-group loyalty.
Societal Costs
Prejudice, conflict, susceptibility to propaganda, and ethical blind spots.
Modern Contexts
Politics, sports teams, religion, and social media.
Societal Benefits
Sense of belonging, trust, and foundation for human cooperation.
Evolutionary Origin
Small hunter-gatherer groups.
Philosophical Basis
Irrationalism and collectivism (according to Ayn Rand Lexicon).
Political Manifestation
Discriminatory behavior and attitudes towards out-groups based on in-group loyalty.
Timeline
- Human evolution occurs primarily in small hunter-gatherer groups, establishing the biological and social foundations of tribalism. (Source: Wikipedia)
Prehistoric Era
- Tucker Carlson discusses the corrosive effects of tribalism on American society and its link to a lack of national cohesion during an interview on the All-In Podcast. (Source: Document 53b39af3-c6ec-4159-8c45-2bf389908316)
2023-11-01
- Publication of analysis regarding tribalism as a driving force behind modern division and gridlock in politics and culture. (Source: Web Search Results)
2024-12-27
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaTribalism
Tribalism is the state of being organized by, or advocating for, tribes or tribal lifestyles. Human evolution primarily occurred in small hunter-gatherer groups, as opposed to in larger and more recently settled agricultural societies or civilizations. With a negative connotation and in a political context, tribalism can also mean discriminatory behavior or attitudes towards out-groups, based on in-group loyalty.
Web Search Results
- Tribalism - Wikipedia
For the Enter Shikari album, see Tribalism (album) "Tribalism (album)"). Tribalism is the state of being organized by, or advocating for, tribes or tribal lifestyles. Human evolution primarily occurred in small hunter-gatherer groups, as opposed to in larger and more recently settled agricultural societies or civilizations. With a negative connotation and in a political context, tribalism can also mean discriminatory behavior or attitudes towards out-groups, based on in-group loyalty. [...] In terms of conformity, the word "tribalism" has been defined as a "subjectivity" or "way of being" social frame in which communities are bound socially beyond immediate birth ties by the dominance of various modalities of face-to-face and object integration. Ontologically, tribalism is oriented around the valences of analogy, genealogy and mythology. That means that customary tribes have their social foundations in some variation of these tribal orientations, while often taking on traditional [...] Tribalism implies the possession of a strong cultural or ethnic identity that separates one member of a group from the members of another group. Based on strong relations of proximity and kinship, as well as relations based on the mutual survival of both the individual members of the tribe and for the tribe itself, members of a tribe tend to possess a strong feeling of identity. Objectively, for a customary tribal society to form there needs to be ongoing customary organization, inquiry, and
- Tribalism - Ayn Rand Lexicon
Tribalism (which is the best name to give to all the group manifestations of the anti-conceptual mentality) is a dominant element in Europe, as a reciprocally reinforcing cause and result of Europe's long history of caste systems, of national and local (provincial) chauvinism, of rule by brute force and endless, bloody wars. As an example, observe the Balkan nations, which are perennially bent upon exterminating one another over minuscule differences of tradition or language. Tribalism had no [...] What are the nature and the causes of modern tribalism? Philosophically, tribalism is the product of irrationalism and collectivism. It is a logical consequence of modern philosophy. If men accept the notion that reason is not valid, what is to guide them and how are they to live? [...] It is obvious why the morality of altruism is a tribal phenomenon. Prehistorical men were physically unable to survive without clinging to a tribe for leadership and protection against other tribes. The cause of altruism's perpetuation into civilized eras is not physical, but psycho-epistemological: the men of self-arrested, perceptual mentality are unable to survive without tribal leadership and "protection" against reality. The doctrine of self-sacrifice does not offend them: they have no
- [PDF] WHY WE HATE: Tribalism Activity (Us vs. Them)
culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader.” When we hear the word tribe, we may think of Native Americans, but in modern usage the term can also refer to people who share common ideas and allegiances. Tribalism is defined as “behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one's own tribe or social group.” Tribalism has societal and individual benefits as well as costs. In terms of benefits, tribalism gives us a sense of belonging and trust. In our ancestral past, we [...] competition and the perception of a common threat. They promote fear, anxiety, and prejudice, all of which make us more susceptible to fake news, propaganda, and conflict. Tribalism can take many forms in our modern society. One prominent example of tribalism is individuals’ strong affiliations with sports teams. These affiliations are often built on regional identities and promoted through the use of symbols. We frequently see deep bonding between fans of a particular team who identify [...] them” mentality and, if so, how? Materials • Identity Chart Activity Sheet (one per student) • Social Media & Tribalism Inquiry Project Activity Sheet (one per student) • Tribalism & the Holocaust Activity Sheet (one per student, if doing Extend activity) • Internet and computer access Background Information/Links Tribalism A tribe is defined as “a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common
- Tribalism: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly « - AURELIS
Start free trial ## Tribalism: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly December 27, 2024 Compassionate Politics, Sociocultural Issues No Comments ### Tribalism is a deeply ingrained human phenomenon, a natural tendency to form groups based on shared identity, values, or goals. It has shaped our history, fostered our greatest achievements, and, at times, fueled our darkest conflicts. [...] In-group favoritism can lead to ethical blind spots, where loyalty to the tribe outweighs universal principles of justice. Simultaneously, out-group bias fosters distrust or disdain toward those who are different, often reinforcing stereotypes and prejudices. In today’s polarized world, tribalism is a driving force behind division and gridlock. Whether in politics, culture, or religion, it deepens the fault lines that separate us, making collaboration across groups increasingly difficult. [...] At its best, tribalism fosters a sense of connection, providing the psychological and social foundation for human cooperation and growth. Historically, tribal bonds were essential for survival, offering safety in numbers and shared resources. Even today, this sense of belonging remains vital for well-being.
- Tribalism Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary
: loyalty to a tribe or other social group especially when combined with strong negative feelings for people outside the group Tribalism within the group is strong. the corrupting influence of tribalism [[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples](#) ASK THE EDITOR | | | What are the plural forms of check-in, passerby, and spoonful? See the answer » | QUIZZES Vocabulary Quiz Test your word power Take the Quiz » Name That Thing [...] The Britannica Dictionary mobile search Home Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary Britannica Homepage Ask the Editor Word of the Day Quizzes Core Vocabulary Browse the Dictionary The Britannica Dictionary # tribalism 1 ENTRIES FOUND: tribalism (noun) tribalism /ˈtraɪbəˌlɪzəm/ noun tribalism /ˈtraɪbəˌlɪzəm/ noun Britannica Dictionary definition of TRIBALISM [noncount] often disapproving [...] Take our visual quiz Test Your Knowledge » WORD OF THE DAY | | | --- | | | : to break or burst Learn More » | 1. About Us & Legal Info 2. Contact Us 3. Privacy Notice 4. Terms of Use 5. Pronunciation Symbols 6. Help © 2025 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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