Exclusivist

An exclusivist is an individual or group that believes in the exclusivity of their beliefs, practices, or membership. They maintain that their perspective or group possesses the sole truth, the only legitimate path, or the superior way of life. This often leads to a rejection or devaluation of other viewpoints and a strong sense of boundary enforcement to maintain group purity and identity. Exclusivism can manifest in various domains, including religion, politics, social groups, and ideologies.

Exclusivist meaning with examples

• The religious leader's exclusivist theology taught that salvation was only possible through their specific faith, rejecting other belief systems and causing division among communities. Their followers were discouraged from interfaith dialogue. This isolation ultimately created a sense of superiority.
• The political party's exclusivist stance on immigration, favoring only those with specific skills, was criticized for its exclusionary practices, which denied opportunities for social mobility and inclusion to a much wider variety of people.
• The exclusive country club fostered an exclusivist environment, discriminating against people who were not wealthy. This caused a great divide between members and people of other economic status.
• The historical society's exclusivist approach to research, focusing solely on specific primary sources, hindered a more holistic understanding of the past and limited academic freedom and inquiry.
• The online gaming community adopted an exclusivist approach to new players, making it difficult for newcomers to join and grow. This caused a lot of people to have no motivation to learn.