A century and a half of “isms”. What’s gone before and what is our trajectory? Are You Ready for the Next Wave of ideologies, philosophies, and movements?

Some key “isms” and movements for each decade, which have had a significant impact on social, artistic, political, and cultural development. Please note that this is not an exhaustive or definitive list, and some of the “isms” and movements may span across multiple decades or overlap with each other.

1900s:

Modernism – A cultural movement that rejected traditional values and emphasized experimentation and individualism.
Impressionism – An art movement characterized by a focus on capturing the fleeting impression of a scene through the use of light and color.
Socialism – A political movement that advocates for the collective ownership and control of the means of production.
Progressivism – A political movement that sought to address social, economic, and political problems through reform and regulation.
Feminism – A movement for gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights.
Naturalism – A literary movement that emphasized the realistic portrayal of human experience, often with a focus on the darker aspects of life.
Expressionism – An art movement characterized by the use of bold, distorted forms and vivid colors to convey emotion and inner experience.
Anarchism – A political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of government and authority.
Primitivism – An artistic and cultural movement that drew inspiration from non-Western and pre-modern cultures.
Futurism – An artistic and cultural movement that celebrated technology, speed, and the modern city.

1910s:

Dada – An artistic and cultural movement characterized by the rejection of traditional artistic values and the embrace of chance and spontaneity.
Surrealism – An artistic and literary movement that sought to access the unconscious mind and explore the realm of dreams and fantasy.
Cubism – An art movement characterized by the use of geometric forms and multiple perspectives to depict the world.
Expressionism – A literary movement that emphasized the subjective experience of the individual and often focused on themes of alienation and despair.
Social Democracy – A political movement that sought to establish democratic socialism through electoral means and reforms.
Pragmatism – A philosophical movement that emphasized practicality and the importance of experience and experimentation.
Constructivism – An artistic and architectural movement that emphasized functionalism, simplicity, and the use of industrial materials.
Bolshevikism – A political movement that advocated for the establishment of a socialist state and the dictatorship of the proletariat.
Syndicalism – A political philosophy that advocated for the use of direct action and strikes by workers to achieve social and economic change.
Prohibitionism – A social and political movement that sought to ban the sale and consumption of alcohol.

1920s:

Modernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decade, which emphasized experimentation and individualism.
Art Deco – An artistic and design movement characterized by the use of geometric forms, bold colors, and luxury materials.
Jazz Age – A cultural and social movement that celebrated jazz music and the lifestyle of the flapper.
Surrealism – The continuation of the artistic and literary movement from the previous decade, which explored the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind.
Existentialism – A philosophical movement that emphasized the individual’s freedom and responsibility in creating meaning in an absurd and chaotic world
Bauhaus – An artistic and design movement that emphasized the integration of art and technology, and the use of industrial materials in architecture and design
Fascism – A political ideology characterized by authoritarianism, nationalism, and the suppression of individual rights and freedoms.
Harlem Renaissance – A cultural movement that celebrated African American art, literature, and music, and sought to challenge racial stereotypes and discrimination.
Expressionism – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decade, which emphasized the use of bold, distorted forms and vivid colors to convey emotion and inner experience.
Consumerism – A social and cultural movement that celebrated the consumption of goods and services, and the pursuit of pleasure and material success.

1930s:

Social Realism – An art movement that sought to depict the struggles and realities of working-class and marginalized people, often with a political message.
Fascism – The continuation of the political ideology from the previous decade, which gained power in several countries during this decade.
Surrealism – The continuation of the artistic and literary movement from the previous decade, which explored the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind.
New Deal – A series of economic and social reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decade, which emphasized the individual’s freedom and responsibility in creating meaning in an absurd and chaotic world.
Functionalism – An architectural and design movement that emphasized the use of functional and efficient design, often with an emphasis on mass production.
Stalinism – A political ideology characterized by the centralization of power, the suppression of political opposition, and the pursuit of industrialization and collectivization.
Abstract Expressionism – An art movement characterized by the use of spontaneous, gestural marks and the exploration of the subconscious mind.
Nationalism – A political and cultural movement that emphasizes the importance of national identity and unity, often with an emphasis on cultural traditions and heritage.
Zionism – A political movement that sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, which led to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.

1940s:

Modernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize experimentation and individualism.
Abstract Expressionism – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decade, which continued to explore the subconscious mind and the use of spontaneous, gestural marks.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the individual’s freedom and responsibility in creating meaning in an absurd and chaotic world.
Postwar Reconstruction – A social, economic, and political movement aimed at rebuilding Europe and Japan after World War II.
Feminism – The continuation of the movement for gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights, which gained momentum during this decade.
Beat Generation – A cultural movement characterized by rejection of mainstream values, experimentation with drugs and alternative lifestyles, and an emphasis on spontaneity and individualism.
Pop Art – An art movement that emphasized popular culture and everyday objects, often through the use of bright colors and bold patterns.
McCarthyism – A political and social movement characterized by anti-communist hysteria and the suppression of political dissent and free speech.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to influence literature, art, and popular culture.
Cold War – A political and military standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, which shaped international relations and politics for several decades.

1950s:

Postmodernism – A cultural movement that rejected the idea of objective truth and the authority of traditional cultural norms and values.
Abstract Expressionism – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decades, which continued to explore the use of spontaneous, gestural marks and the subconscious mind.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to influence literature, art, and popular culture.
Civil Rights Movement – A social and political movement that sought to challenge racial discrimination and segregation in the United States.
New Criticism – A literary movement that emphasized close reading and analysis of literary texts, and the separation of the author’s intentions from the text’s meaning.
Beat Generation – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decade, which continued to emphasize rejection of mainstream values and an emphasis on spontaneity and individualism.
Pop Art – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decade, which continued to explore popular culture and everyday objects.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to influence literature, art, and popular culture.
Postcolonialism – A literary and cultural movement that sought to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives, and to highlight the experiences and perspectives of formerly colonized peoples.
Abstract Expressionism – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decades, which continued to influence the development of other artistic movements, such as Minimalism and Conceptual Art.

1960s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decade, which continued to reject traditional cultural norms and values and emphasized the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Pop Art – The continuation of the art movement from the previous decades, which continued to explore popular culture and everyday objects.
Civil Rights Movement – The continuation of the social and political movement from the previous decade, which led to significant legal and social changes in the United States.
Feminism – The continuation of the movement for gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights, which expanded to include issues such as reproductive rights and workplace discrimination.
Anti-Vietnam War Movement – A social and political movement that opposed the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War.
Minimalism – An art movement that emphasized simplicity and reduction to basic forms and materials.
Black Power Movement – A social and political movement that advocated for black self-determination and empowerment, often through the use of radical tactics and rhetoric.
Poststructuralism – A philosophical movement that emphasized the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning, and the importance of context and power relations.
New Left – A political movement that rejected traditional Marxist and socialist movements, and sought to combine social and cultural critique with political action.
Existentialism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to influence literature, art, and popular culture.

1970s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality, and the rejection of traditional cultural norms and values.
Feminism – The continuation of the movement for gender equality and the promotion of women’s rights, which continued to expand and diversify.
Environmentalism – A social and political movement that sought to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable development.
Multiculturalism – A cultural and political movement that celebrated diversity and sought to challenge dominant cultural narratives and power relations.
Conceptual Art – An art movement that emphasized the ideas behind the art rather than the physical object itself.
Punk – A cultural and musical movement characterized by a rejection of mainstream values and the celebration of DIY and anarchic aesthetics.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Deconstruction – A philosophical movement that sought to critique and challenge traditional notions of language, meaning, and truth.
Neoliberalism – A political and economic ideology that emphasizes free markets, deregulation, and privatization, often at the expense of social welfare and public goods.
Postfeminism – A cultural and social movement that challenged the traditional goals and methods of feminism, and emphasized individualism and consumer culture.

1980s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional cultural norms and values and emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Neoliberalism – The continuation of the political and economic ideology from the previous decade, which gained prominence during this decade with the policies of Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Poststructuralism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning.
New Wave – A musical and cultural movement characterized by the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments, and an emphasis on visual aesthetics and irony.
Reaganism – A political and cultural movement characterized by conservative values, nationalism, and a focus on individualism and free markets.
AIDS Activism – A social and political movement that sought to raise awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and advocate for research, treatment, and prevention.
Hip Hop – A cultural and musical movement that originated in the African American and Latino communities and emphasized rap music, breakdancing, and graffiti art.
Third Wave Feminism – A cultural and social movement that sought to address the diversity and intersectionality of feminist issues, and to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination.
New Sincerity – A literary and cultural movement that emphasized sincerity, authenticity, and emotional depth in response to the perceived irony and detachment of postmodernism.

1990s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional cultural norms and values and emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Neoliberalism – The continuation of the political and economic ideology from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize free markets and deregulation.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Poststructuralism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning.
Grunge – A musical and cultural movement that originated in the Pacific Northwest and emphasized alternative rock music and a rejection of mainstream values and aesthetics.
Riot Grrrl – A feminist and punk rock movement that sought to challenge gender stereotypes and discrimination, and promote female empowerment and solidarity.
Multiculturalism – The continuation of the cultural and political movement from the previous decades, which continued to celebrate diversity and challenge dominant cultural narratives and power relations.
Globalization – A social, economic, and political movement that sought to promote international trade, investment, and cultural exchange, often at the expense of local and traditional cultures and practices.
Postfeminism – The continuation of the cultural and social movement from the previous decade, which continued to challenge traditional goals and methods of feminism and emphasize individualism and consumer culture.
Digital Age – A cultural and technological movement characterized by the widespread use of computers, the internet, and other digital technologies, and the transformation of communication, media, and culture.

2000s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional cultural norms and values and emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Neoliberalism – The continuation of the political and economic ideology from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize free markets and deregulation.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Poststructuralism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning.
War on Terror – A political and military campaign launched by the United States in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which led to conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Globalization – The continuation of the social, economic, and political movement from the previous decades, which continued to promote international trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
Environmentalism – The continuation of the social and political movement from the previous decades, which continued to advocate for the protection of the natural environment and promote sustainable development.
Postfeminism – The continuation of the cultural and social movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional goals and methods of feminism and emphasize individualism and consumer culture.
Social Media – A technological and cultural movement characterized by the widespread use of social networking sites and other digital platforms for communication, self-expression, and social interaction.
Post-truth – A cultural and political phenomenon characterized by the disregard for objective facts and the emphasis on emotional appeal, personal beliefs, and subjective experience in shaping public opinion and political discourse.

2010s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional cultural norms and values and emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Neoliberalism – The continuation of the political and economic ideology from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize free markets and deregulation.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Poststructuralism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning.
Me Too Movement – A social and cultural movement that emerged in response to sexual harassment and assault, and sought to raise awareness and advocate for accountability and change.
Climate Activism – A social and political movement that seeks to address the global climate crisis and promote environmental sustainability and justice.
Digital Culture – A cultural and technological movement characterized by the widespread use of digital technologies for communication, media, and culture, and the blurring of boundaries between online and offline experience.
Postfeminism – The continuation of the cultural and social movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional goals and methods of feminism and emphasize individualism and consumer culture.
Populism – A political movement characterized by a rejection of political elites and establishment, and an emphasis on nationalism, identity politics, and direct democracy.
Identity Politics – A cultural and political movement that emphasizes the importance of social identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, and religion, in shaping political and social discourse and action.

2020s:

Postmodernism – The continuation of the cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge traditional cultural norms and values and emphasize the subjective nature of truth and reality.
Neoliberalism – The continuation of the political and economic ideology from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize free markets and deregulation.
Postcolonialism – The continuation of the literary and cultural movement from the previous decades, which continued to challenge colonialist and imperialist narratives and highlight the experiences of formerly colonized peoples.
Poststructuralism – The continuation of the philosophical movement from the previous decades, which continued to emphasize the instability and ambiguity of language and meaning.
Black Lives Matter – A social and political movement that emerged in response to police brutality and systemic racism against Black people, and sought to raise awareness and advocate for racial justice and equality.
Global Health – A social, economic, and political movement that seeks to address global health challenges, such as pandemics and infectious diseases, and promote equitable access to healthcare.
Transhumanism – A cultural and technological movement that seeks to enhance human capabilities and extend human life through technology, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
Cancel Culture – A cultural and social phenomenon characterized by the public shaming and ostracism of individuals or groups who are deemed to have engaged in inappropriate or offensive behavior or speech.
Ecofeminism – A feminist and environmental movement that seeks to address the intersection of gender, race, and environmental justice, and promote a more sustainable and equitable relationship between humans and the natural world.
Post-pandemic World – A cultural and social phenomenon characterized by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as changes in work, education, and social interaction, and the challenges of rebuilding and recovery.

As the world continues to change and evolve, it is likely that new “isms” will emerge to reflect these developments. Two key areas that are likely to shape the emergence of new isms in the coming years are the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change.

AIism: As AI technologies become more advanced and integrated into our lives, there may emerge a new movement that seeks to explore the implications of these developments for society and culture. This could involve debates around issues such as automation, job displacement, and the ethics of AI development and use.
Ecofuturism: With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, it is likely that a new movement will emerge that seeks to promote a sustainable and equitable future for humanity and the planet. This movement may draw on principles of ecofeminism and other environmentalist philosophies, but with a greater focus on the use of technology and innovation to create a better world.
Post-globalism: As the world order continues to shift and change, it is likely that there will be a new movement that seeks to address the challenges of a world that is increasingly multipolar and fragmented. This movement may draw on principles of cosmopolitanism and global governance, but with a greater focus on the need for new forms of cooperation and coordination in a rapidly changing world.
Digitalism: As the world becomes more interconnected and digitized, there may emerge a new movement that seeks to explore the implications of these developments for human identity and culture. This could involve debates around issues such as the impact of social media on relationships and mental health, the ethics of data collection and privacy, and the nature of virtual reality and digital experience.
Post-humanism: With the increasing blurring of boundaries between humans and machines, it is possible that a new movement will emerge that seeks to challenge traditional notions of what it means to be human. This movement may draw on principles of transhumanism and postmodernism, but with a greater focus on the need to redefine humanity in the face of new technological possibilities.