“Safetyism” is a term used to describe a cultural mindset in which safety—both physical and emotional—is prioritized to an extreme degree, sometimes at the expense of personal resilience, freedom, or growth. The term gained prominence through the book The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, where they argue that an overemphasis on safety, particularly in educational and social environments, can lead to fragility, censorship, and a reluctance to engage with challenging ideas.
Safetyism can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Overprotective parenting that shields children from all risks, preventing them from developing independence.
- Trigger warnings and safe spaces that aim to protect people from potentially upsetting ideas or discussions.
- Excessive risk aversion in policies, education, and workplaces, sometimes leading to unintended negative consequences.
While ensuring safety is obviously important, critics of safetyism argue that it can lead to a culture of fear, intolerance for differing opinions, and an inability to cope with adversity. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that protecting people—especially marginalized groups—from harm is necessary for a just and compassionate society.
there is a growing body of literature, both academic and popular, that explores the concept of “safetyism.” This term refers to a cultural or belief system in which safety, including emotional safety, is prioritized to such an extent that it may hinder personal development and open discourse.
Academic Literature:
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“The Coddling of the American Mind”: Authored by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt, this 2018 book delves into how an overemphasis on safety and protection in educational settings can lead to increased anxiety and decreased resilience among students. The authors argue that shielding students from challenging ideas and experiences may inadvertently harm their development.
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“Correlates of ‘Coddling’: Cognitive Distortions Predict Safetyism-Inspired Beliefs”: This 2022 study by Jared B. Celniker et al. examines the psychological underpinnings of safetyism. The researchers found that individuals exhibiting cognitive distortions are more likely to endorse beliefs associated with safetyism, such as the notion that words can cause harm and the support for trigger warnings.
Popular Articles:
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“Safetyism Was Never Real”: In this 2018 article from Inside Higher Ed, John Warner critiques the concept of safetyism, suggesting that the perceived culture of overprotection on college campuses may be overstated. He challenges the idea that students are excessively fragile or shielded from diverse viewpoints.
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“How ‘Safetyism’ is Harming Children”: Liana Humphrey discusses the impact of safetyism on youth in this 2022 piece. She argues that overprotective environments contribute to higher rates of anxiety and depression among teenagers and reduce their acceptance of differing ideologies.
These sources provide a range of perspectives on safetyism, from its psychological foundations to its societal implications, offering a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing discourse surrounding this concept.
