The term “reactionary” is used to describe a person or political stance characterized by opposing or resisting social, political, or cultural change. Reactionaries often advocate for a return to past or traditional practices, values, or social structures, seeking to preserve or restore historical norms and resist progressive or liberal reforms.
As opposed to conservatives, who typically support maintaining the status quo and gradual changes, reactionaries take a more radical approach, seeking to undo or reverse previous reforms and advancements. They may oppose social movements, civil rights, and progressive policies, viewing them as threats to established societal norms.
The term “reactionary” can be used in both a positive and negative sense. Some individuals or groups may proudly identify as reactionaries if they believe they are preserving valuable traditions and principles. However, in contemporary political discourse, “reactionary” is often used as a criticism, suggesting an opposition to social progress or a desire to return to outdated or oppressive systems.
Equivalent in Indonesian: In Indonesian, the equivalent term for “reactionary” is “reaksioner” or “reaksionaris.”
Sample sentences using the term “reactionary”:
- The politician’s reactionary stance on social issues garnered support from conservative voters but faced criticism from progressive groups.
- The reactionary resistance to civil rights reforms highlighted the divide between traditional values and the push for equality.
- The country experienced a surge in reactionary movements, advocating for the rollback of recent social and political changes.
- The reactionary opposition to environmental regulations prioritized short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability.
- Some viewed her views as progressive, while others labeled them as reactionary, seeking a return to outdated gender norms.
- The reactionary group called for stricter censorship of art, fearing its potential impact on societal values.
- The party’s platform was characterized by a mix of conservative and reactionary policies to appeal to a broader base of voters.
- Historically, reactionary forces have opposed advancements in civil rights, seeking to maintain traditional power structures.
- The reactionary rejection of scientific evidence on climate change hindered efforts to address the global crisis.
- In response to growing social movements, reactionary voices attempted to discredit and delegitimize their causes.
Lists of related words: Synonyms:
- Conservative
- Traditionalist
- Regressive
- Retrograde
- Nostalgist
Antonyms:
- Progressive
- Liberal
- Reformist
- Forward-looking
Related words:
- Tradition
- Preservation
- Resistance
- Status quo
- Restorative
Phrasal verbs:
- Push back against (as in “reactionaries push back against social changes they perceive as threats”)
- Turn back the clock (as in “some reactionaries want to turn back the clock on societal advancements”)
Idioms:
- Live in the past
- Stand in the way of progress
Conclusion: A reactionary is a person or political stance that opposes social, political, or cultural change, seeking to preserve or restore past practices, values, or societal norms. Unlike conservatives who typically advocate for maintaining the status quo, reactionaries take a more radical approach, opposing previous reforms and advancements. The term can be used positively by those who believe they are preserving valuable traditions, but it is often used as a criticism in contemporary political discourse, suggesting resistance to social progress or a desire to revert to outdated systems. Understanding the concept of “reactionary” is essential for comprehending the dynamics of political and social debates surrounding change and conservatism.