noun
backward-looking ideology; conservatism
A formal, somewhat academic term for a philosophy or mindset that resists progress and clings to the past. Often used in political or social commentary.
彼の退嬰主義的な考え方には賛成できない。
I cannot agree with his backward-looking way of thinking.
その政党は退嬰主義を掲げて改革に反対した。
That political party opposed reform under the banner of conservatism.
Compound of 退嬰 (たいえい, 'withdrawal, regression') and 主義 (しゅぎ, '-ism'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely emerged in modern intellectual discourse.