abolitionism

Definition

Support for the abolition of something; the tenets of abolitionists.

Etymology

From abolition + -ism.

Example Sentences

• "Abolitionism is based on the moral conviction that social life should not and, in fact, cannot be regulated effectively by criminal law …. As a social movement committed to the abolition of the prison or even the entire penal system, abolitionism originated in campaigns for prisoners' rights and penal reform."
• "Abolitionism is still a powerful philosophy among contemporary feminists, both in the West and in the developing world."
• "ABOLITIONISM Prisons and jails have been condemned, at least by some, for as long as they have existed.[…] In the United States, the most profound statement of support for abolitionism is the document Instead of Prisons […] Abolitionism has also given emphasis to didferent strategies for change, ranging from simply abolishing prisons to abolishing the entire criminal justice apparatus, […]"

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