social friction

USAGE SUMMARY

"social friction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to tension or conflict between individuals or groups within a society due to differences in beliefs, values, or norms. Example: The new immigration laws caused a lot of social friction between the local community and the newcomers, leading to protests and heated debates.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Excessive immigration is a source of social friction.

The Guardian - Opinion

Apfelbaum says the key to social friction is understanding how to use it.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Yet despite that, there tends to be a certain bracing social friction in play at Art Basel Miami Beach.

The New York Times

Mass immigration has caused some social friction in the outskirts though for the most part the city remains strikingly unsegregated.

The Economist

But as long as its international lenders continue to demand 15,000 job cuts, more social friction may be inevitable.

The New York Times

"The other side of this is that with increased gambling you create social friction like compulsive gambling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But it makes social frictions hard to avoid.

The Economist

Thus, the global trend of individualization has in-built internal contradictions causing psychological and social frictions, tensions and conflicts [21].

European Journal of Futures Research

People were going fucking wild, letting loose together and tossing aside so many of the imposed social frictions between them because a handful of kids got together and threw an important, critical, art-driven party for the archive.

Vice

In the first months of the epidemic, influential external policy advisors, a high profile international non-governmental organization, and certain academics voiced concerns that introducing vaccine might trigger further social instability at a time when election-year social frictions were already high and vaccine availability was limited.

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

PAGE A12 Democrats' Social Security Friction A15 ADDRESS TO DEAL WITH ECONOMY President Obama will use his first address to Congress on Tuesday to explain his economic policies and argue that legislative reforms on health care, education and energy are crucial to lifting the economy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "social friction" to describe situations where differences in values, beliefs, or resources lead to tension or conflict within a community or society.

Common error

Avoid using "social friction" in casual conversations. Opt for more straightforward terms like "disagreement" or "tension" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social friction" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the tension or conflict within a society arising from differing values, beliefs, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "social friction" is a noun phrase used to describe tension or conflict within a society. Ludwig AI confirms it is correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, indicating its suitability for formal and analytical contexts. Related phrases include "social tension" and "societal discord". When writing, remember to use "social friction" in appropriate contexts and avoid overuse in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

social tension

Focuses on the underlying stress and strain within a society.

societal discord

Emphasizes a lack of harmony and agreement within society.

social strain

Highlights the pressures and burdens experienced by individuals or groups.

social conflict

Indicates direct opposition and clashes between different groups.

intergroup conflict

Specifies conflicts occurring between distinct social groups.

community unrest

Suggests a state of disturbance and agitation within a local area.

cultural clashes

Highlights conflicts arising from differences in cultural values and practices.

ethnic tensions

Focuses on stress and conflict related to ethnic differences.

public dissent

Implies widespread disagreement or opposition to prevailing norms or policies.

social disharmony

Suggests a lack of coordination and agreement in social interactions.

FAQs

How can I use "social friction" in a sentence?

"Social friction" is used to describe tension or conflict arising from differences in a community. For example, "The influx of new residents caused "social friction" due to differing cultural norms."

What are some synonyms for "social friction"?

Alternatives to "social friction" include "social tension", "societal discord", or "social conflict", each highlighting slightly different aspects of societal unease.

Is "social friction" a formal or informal term?

"Social friction" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for academic, journalistic, or professional contexts. In casual conversation, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What causes "social friction"?

"Social friction" can arise from various sources, including cultural differences, economic inequality, political polarization, and rapid social change. These factors can lead to misunderstandings and conflict within a society.