Thatcherism

Thatcherism


Pronunciation

Thatch-: /θætʃ/

  • /θ/ - voiceless dental fricative (as in "thin")

  • /æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel (as in "cat")

  • /tʃ/ - voiceless post-alveolar affricate (as in "church")

-er-: /ər/ (or /ɚ/ in American English)

  • /ər/ or /ɚ/ - r-colored vowel (as in "butter")

-ism: /ɪzəm/

  • /ɪ/ - near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")

  • /z/ - voiced alveolar fricative (as in "zoo")

  • /ə/ - schwa, mid-central vowel (as in "about")

  • /m/ - voiced bilabial nasal (as in "man")


Word Form Variations

The primary word form of "Thatcherism" is a noun.

Other related word forms include:

  • Thatcherite (noun): A supporter or adherent of Thatcherism.

  • Thatcherite (adjective): Of, relating to, or characteristic of Margaret Thatcher or Thatcherism.

  • Thatcheresque (adjective): Resembling or characteristic of Margaret Thatcher's style or manner.

"Thatcherism" itself does not have common plural forms as it refers to a specific ideology or set of policies. You wouldn't say "Thatcherisms."



Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun:

  1. A political and economic ideology and set of policies, most notably implemented in the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (1979-1990), characterized by a strong belief in free markets, deregulation, privatization of state-owned industries, reduced government intervention in the economy, and a curtailment of trade union power.

    • Synonyms: neoliberalism (in a British context), free-market capitalism, monetarism, supply-side economics.

    • Antonyms: socialism, social democracy, Keynesianism, welfare statism.

  2. The distinctive political style and uncompromising resolve associated with Margaret Thatcher's leadership, often characterized by a firm, resolute, and sometimes confrontational approach to governance and reform.

    • Synonyms: iron will, strong leadership, resolute governance, firm hand.

    • Antonyms: consensus-building, compromise, vacillation, indecisiveness.


Examples of Use

In Books

  • Academic Analysis: "In The Legacy of Thatcherism: Assessing and Exploring Thatcherite Social and Economic Policies, a range of experts discuss the enduring legacy of those social and economic policies initiated by the first of the UK's New Right governments (1979–90)." (Farrall, Stephen, and Colin Hay (eds), 2014)

  • Political Memoirs/Biographies: "While Blair distanced himself from certain aspects of Thatcherism earlier in his career, in his 2010 autobiography A Journey, he argued both that 'Britain needed the industrial and economic reforms of the Thatcher period' and as well that 'much of what she wanted to do in the 1980s was inevitable, a consequence not of [her personal will].'" (Tony Blair, A Journey, cited in Wikipedia)

  • Historical Overviews: "Margaret Thatcher is the only 20th-century prime minister to have given her name to a style as well as a doctrine. Although the final balance sheet of the successes and failures of Thatcherism is yet to be tallied, this book places the government of Mrs. Thatcher in the perspective of postwar British politics." (Dennis A. Kavanagh, Thatcherism and British Politics: The End of Consensus?)

In Newspapers

  • News Analysis/Obituaries: "Her political philosophy and economic policies emphasised greater individual liberty, the privatisation of state-owned companies, and reducing the power and influence of trade unions. Her popularity in her first years in office waned amid the recession and rising unemployment, but many credit Thatcherism with revitalizing the British economy in the long run." (Various news reports following Margaret Thatcher's death, e.g., The Telegraph)

  • Opinion Pieces: "Critics argue that the continued reliance on austerity measures in current government policy is a direct continuation of Thatcherism's core tenets, despite changing economic circumstances." (The Guardian, Op-Ed, 2024)

  • Historical Features: "Newly released political papers offer a detailed insight into the concerns, challenges and crises faced by Mrs Thatcher during a year which marked her tenth anniversary as leader and the halfway point in her premiership, and show how the principles of Thatcherism were tested." (Churchill Archives Centre, describing papers released to the public)

In Online Publications

  • Academic Journals: "My book, Welfare and Punishment: From Thatcherism to Austerity, presents an analysis of the 'punitive turn' since 1979 that has resulted in a huge increase in the prison population and a shredding of the welfare safety net." (Transforming Society, "More Thatcherite than Thatcher: Understanding UK welfare and penal policy today", 2021)

  • News Websites: "The controversial question of whether she was to have a state funeral... had been settled prior to her death... To a certain extent, Thatcher's Britain became a reality long after she had left office. This was particularly identifiable in the public's perception of the role and scope of the State in three areas: the economy, the public sector and the Welfare State. Surveys conducted between 2000 and 2010 indicate a significant shift to the political right at the turn of the century on issues such as government intervention, tax and spend policies, poverty, unemployment, and law and order. Arguably, the younger generation of British voters was also more Thatcherite in that there was general acceptance of free market economics, albeit not necessarily one that meant that the NHS or education system should be privatised." (OpenEdition Journals, "The Legacy of Thatcherism in Question: an Introduction")

  • Blogs/Commentary: "Many on the left still blame Thatcherism for the de-industrialization of vast swathes of Britain, while proponents argue it unleashed entrepreneurial spirit." (Political blog post, Public Address, 2013)

In Entertainment Mediums and Platforms

  • Film: The 2011 film The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep (who won an Oscar for the role), depicts Margaret Thatcher's life and career, with the underlying themes of Thatcherism's impact on Britain being central to the narrative. (Phyllida Lloyd, The Iron Lady, 2011)

  • Television (Satire/Drama):

    • The 1980s satirical puppet show Spitting Image frequently caricatured Thatcher and her cabinet, often using visuals and dialogue to critique the effects of Thatcherism on society (e.g., depicting her as a "cigar-smoking bully"). (Spitting Image, various episodes, 1984-1996)

    • The musical Billy Elliot features the song "Merry Christmas Maggie Thatcher," which expresses the anger and hardship experienced by coal miners during the 1984-85 miners' strike, a key event often seen as emblematic of Thatcherism's confrontational approach to unions. (Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot the Musical, 2005)

    • The TV series The Crown has episodes featuring Margaret Thatcher's time as Prime Minister, exploring her policies and their societal impact, implicitly examining aspects of Thatcherism through the dramatic narrative. (Netflix, The Crown, Season 4, 2020)

  • Music:

    • Elvis Costello's song "Tramp the Dirt Down" famously expresses a strong opposition to Thatcher and her policies, embodying the anti-Thatcherism sentiment prevalent in some musical circles. (Elvis Costello, Spike, 1989)

    • Morrissey's song "Margaret on the Guillotine" is another well-known example of direct musical commentary against Thatcher, reflecting the intense dislike some artists held for Thatcherism. (Morrissey, Viva Hate, 1988)

In General Public Discourse

  • Political Debates: During general election campaigns or parliamentary debates in the UK, politicians from various parties often invoke "Thatcherism" to either praise or condemn certain economic or social policies. A Labour politician might argue that current cuts to public services are a return to "the worst excesses of Thatcherism," while a Conservative might claim that a proposed policy embodies the "spirit of Thatcherism's economic reforms."

  • Social Commentary: When discussing the state of public services, wealth inequality, or the decline of traditional industries in Britain, people in everyday conversations or online forums might attribute these conditions, positively or negatively, to the long-term effects of "Thatcherism."

  • Academic and Educational Settings: In university lectures, seminars, or student discussions on post-war British history, economics, or political science, "Thatcherism" is a foundational term used to analyze a significant period of change and its lasting impact on the UK.

  • Media Analysis: Commentators analyzing a politician's style or policy proposals might describe them as having "Thatcherite tendencies" if they exhibit a strong, uncompromising stance on economic liberalism or a willingness to challenge established institutions.



10 Famous Quotes Using Thatcherism

Here are ten quotes using the word "Thatcherism" or directly referencing its core tenets and impact:

  1. "There is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families." (Though not directly using "Thatcherism," this highly famous quote by Margaret Thatcher herself encapsulates a core philosophical tenet often associated with the ideology, emphasizing individualism over collective responsibility) (Margaret Thatcher, Woman's Own interview, 1987)

  2. "The lady's not for turning." (Another iconic quote by Margaret Thatcher, demonstrating the resolute, unyielding characteristic of her leadership and by extension, Thatcherism's implementation) (Margaret Thatcher, Conservative Party Conference, 1980)

  3. "New Labour is in essence Thatcherism with a human face." (A critical assessment of Tony Blair's Labour government, suggesting continuity with Thatcherite economic policies) (Attributed to various commentators, including some on the left of the Labour Party, often used in political analysis of the 1990s and 2000s)

  4. "We had to try to roll back the frontiers of the state, and that's exactly what Thatcherism did." (A statement from a proponent of the ideology, highlighting its aim to reduce government intervention) (Lord Tebbit, a prominent Thatcherite, often quoted in documentaries and analyses of the era)

  5. "For many, Thatcherism represented a period of immense social upheaval and economic hardship, particularly in traditional industrial areas." (A common perspective from critics, reflecting the social cost of her policies) (General historical and social commentary on the impact of Thatcher's policies)

  6. "The impact of Thatcherism on the coal industry was devastating, leading to widespread pit closures and community breakdown." (Refers to the highly controversial miners' strike and its aftermath, a defining moment of the Thatcher era) (Historical analyses and memoirs of the 1980s, e.g., books on the miners' strike)

  7. "In the long run, Thatcherism created a more dynamic and competitive British economy, albeit at a significant social cost." (A balanced, analytical view often found in economic histories of the UK) (Economic history texts and academic articles on Britain in the late 20th century)

  8. "The 'loadsamoney' culture of the 1980s was, in many ways, a direct byproduct of Thatcherism's embrace of free-market individualism." (A cultural commentary linking a social phenomenon to the prevailing ideology) (Cultural commentators and historians reflecting on 1980s Britain)

  9. "While Thatcherism undoubtedly broke the power of the unions, it also arguably left a legacy of increased inequality." (A common critique linking the reduction of union power to broader societal changes) (Sociological and political analyses of inequality in modern Britain)

  10. "Even after decades, the echoes of Thatcherism can still be heard in debates about public spending, welfare, and the role of the private sector in Britain." (Highlights the enduring influence and continued relevance of the ideology in contemporary politics) (Political commentators and journalists discussing current British policy debates)


Etymology

The word "Thatcherism" is a relatively modern term, and its etymology is quite straightforward:

It's formed by combining the surname of Margaret Thatcher with the suffix "-ism."

  • Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990. She was a dominant political figure who implemented significant changes to Britain's economy and society.

  • The suffix "-ism" is commonly used in English to create nouns that refer to a distinctive doctrine, theory, system, or practice. Think of other words like "socialism," "capitalism," "feminism," or "Buddhism." It signifies a particular way of thinking or acting, often associated with a person or a group.

So, "Thatcherism" literally means "the doctrine, policies, or characteristics associated with Margaret Thatcher."

First Known Use and Meaning:

The term "Thatcherism" began to appear in the mid-1970s, even before Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister in 1979. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) notes its earliest known use in 1977 in a document titled "Memorandum: Government's Strategy."

Initially, it was used to describe the emerging political and economic ideas and policies that Margaret Thatcher championed within the Conservative Party. These ideas were a strong break from the "post-war consensus" (a period where there was broad agreement among political parties on things like a welfare state and nationalized industries).

From its first use, "Thatcherism" quickly came to represent a specific set of principles:

  • A strong belief in free markets (less government control over businesses).

  • Privatization (selling off state-owned companies to private owners).

  • Reduced government spending and lower taxes.

  • A focus on individual responsibility rather than collective welfare.

  • A firm approach to trade unions, aiming to reduce their power.

In short, the word was coined to capture the distinctive and often radical shift in British politics and economics that Margaret Thatcher introduced and embodied.



Phrases + Idioms Containing Thatcherism

Direct Phrases using "Thatcherism":

  1. The legacy of Thatcherism: Refers to the lasting effects, both positive and negative, of Thatcher's policies on British society and economy.

  2. The spirit of Thatcherism: Implies the core principles or ethos associated with her era, such as individualism, free markets, or strong leadership.

  3. A return to Thatcherism: Suggests a political or economic shift back towards policies resembling those implemented by Thatcher.

  4. The end of Thatcherism: Refers to the point at which the influence or dominance of Thatcherite policies or ideology diminishes.

  5. Beyond Thatcherism: Implies a forward-looking perspective, seeking new solutions that move past the debates or structures established by Thatcher's era.

  6. The social cost of Thatcherism: Highlights the negative social consequences attributed to her policies, such as unemployment or inequality.

Phrases with similar effect (using synonyms or describing associated concepts):

  1. The iron lady's touch: A metaphorical phrase referring to Margaret Thatcher's firm, uncompromising style, often used when discussing policies she implemented.

  2. Rolling back the state: A phrase directly associated with Thatcherite policy goals of reducing government intervention.

  3. Privatization drive: Describes a key policy thrust of the Thatcher years, the sale of state-owned industries.

  4. Taming the unions: Refers to the government's efforts under Thatcher to curb the power of trade unions.

  5. Free market fundamentalism: A critical term sometimes used to describe the strong adherence to free-market principles central to Thatcherism.

  6. The trickle-down effect: While a general economic concept, it was often implicitly or explicitly linked to Thatcherite economic theory, suggesting that wealth for the rich would benefit everyone.


Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA


Source Information

Definition of Thatcherism from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.


KIRU

KIRU is an American artist, author and entrepreneur based in Brooklyn, New York. He is the Founder of KIRUNIVERSE, a creative enterprise home to brands and media platforms in business + strategy, mental wellness, the creative arts and more.

https://www.highaski.com
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