Definition of regionalism

The term "regionalism" has its roots in the late 19th century, particularly in the fields of architecture, art, and literature. Initially, it referred to the focus on regional characteristics, customs, and styles in creative works. Regionalism in art, for instance, emphasized the depiction of everyday life and landscapes specific to a particular region or country. The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, especially in the United States, where it was employed to describe the literary movement that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Regionalist writers, such as Sherwood Anderson and William Faulkner, explored themes related to regional identity, culture, and history. Over time, the term "regionalism" expanded to encompass broader applications, including politics, economics, and cultural studies. Today, regionalism encompasses a wide range of meanings, from cultural and artistic expressions to geographical and economic responses to globalization and regional integration.