Centralization: meaning, definitions and examples
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centralization
[ ˌsɛntrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]
government structure
Centralization refers to the concentration of administrative power in a central authority, as opposed to being distributed among local authorities. It often involves the decision-making process being held by a central government or organization, diminishing the role of individual or regional entities.
Synonyms
central authority, concentration, union
Examples of usage
- The centralization of power can lead to more uniform policies.
- Centralization in management allows for faster decision-making.
- In many countries, centralization is often debated in political circles.
Word origin
The term 'centralization' stems from the mid-19th century, primarily derived from the root word 'centralize,' which comes from the word 'central.' The concept was used to describe the process of consolidating control in a central location, often associated with government and organizational structures. In its early usage, centralization was linked to the governance of states and the management of bureaucracies, where power dynamics shifted towards centralized institutions. Over time, the term has expanded to various fields such as economics, technology, and sociology, highlighting its relevance in discussions of efficiency, control, and power distribution within societies. The evolution of centralization reflects changing attitudes toward authority and governance, especially in the context of globalization and the rise of decentralized systems like the internet.