Maoism

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A political ideology based on the ideas of a 20th-century Chinese leader emphasizing class struggle, cultural revolution, and peasant-based communism
2. A doctrine deriving from the teachings of a Chinese revolutionary advocating for continuous social revolution and populist communist principles
3. A form of Marxist theory adapted by a Chinese figure promoting agrarian socialism, political activism, and the overthrow of capitalist systems through mass mobilization

Etymology: The term emerged in the mid-20th century as the name for the political theory and practice derived from the ideas of Mao Zedong, the Chinese communist revolutionary and founding father of the People’s Republic of China. His adaptation of Marxist-Leninist doctrine emphasized the role of the peasantry in revolution, protracted people's war, and continuous revolution under proletarian dictatorship, distinguishing his thought from Soviet communism. The word is a direct eponym, formed by attaching the suffix "-ism" to Mao’s name, signaling an ideological system or movement based on his principles. This suffix, "-ism," originated from the Greek "-ismos," passing through Latin and French before entering English. It is commonly used to denote distinctive doctrines or systems of belief, often political or philosophical. In this case, the suffix transforms the proper noun into a noun naming the complex body of theory and practice associated with Mao. The construction follows a well-established pattern seen in words like "Marxism" and "Leninism," both coined to identify the contributions of those thinkers to communist ideology. The word itself became prominent internationally during the 1960s and 1970s, as Maoist movements inspired revolutionary groups worldwide, especially in the developing world. It carried connotations not only of Mao’s original doctrines but also of the global political movements that claimed his guidance. Political discourse and academic works distinguished Maoism from other forms of communism, highlighting its particular strategies and historical context. While the root name "Mao" is Chinese, the formation of the term in English reflects the practice of creating ideological labels by combining a leader’s name with "-ism." This pattern allows complex political philosophies to be succinctly referenced and recognized, and the word quickly entered English usage alongside the rise of interest in Chinese communism and Cold War geopolitics.

Synonyms: Mao Zedong Thought, Maoist ideology

Antonyms: capitalism, revisionism