Civilianizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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civilianizing

[sɪˈvɪljəˌnaɪzɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

workforce management

The process of converting military positions or functions to civilian ones in order to reduce military personnel and costs. It involves evaluating the necessity of military personnel in certain roles and determining if those roles can be fulfilled by civilians instead.

Synonyms

civilianization, outsourcing, privatization.

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Word Description / Examples
civilianizing

Typically used in the context of reducing the military involvement in certain functions and replacing it with civilian personnel or control.

  • The government is civilianizing military roles to ensure more civil control.
  • The process of civilianizing ensures more community engagement.
civilianization

Often describes the broader process or policy of shifting certain tasks or responsibilities from military to civilian control. It is more formal and can be seen in official documents and discussions.

  • Civilianization of police work has led to significant changes in public safety strategies.
  • The civilianization of airport security has been debated for years.
outsourcing

Refers to the practice of hiring external firms or individuals to perform certain tasks that could be done internally. Frequently used in business contexts.

  • The company is outsourcing its customer service to save costs.
  • Outsourcing IT services can provide access to specialized skills.
privatization

Involves transferring a business, industry, or service from public (government) control to private ownership and management. Typically discussed in economic or political contexts.

  • The privatization of the healthcare system has been a topic of much debate.
  • The government proposed the privatization of several state-owned enterprises to improve efficiency.

Examples of usage

  • Many countries are civilianizing certain military roles to save on costs.
  • Civilianizing military positions can help streamline the organization.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Cultural Impact

  • In post-war societies, the process of civilianizing can help rebuild communities and restore normalcy after conflict.
  • Civilianizing military practices often leads to better integration of veterans back into society by providing them with skills applicable in civilian life.

Political Science

  • Governments often civilianize police forces to foster community trust and reduce instances of militarized responses to everyday incidents.
  • Civilianizing strategies can also involve reducing funding and resources for military operations, shifting focus to humanitarian efforts.

Psychology

  • The process can alleviate trauma for individuals returning from conflict zones, promoting mental health and societal acceptance.
  • Civilianizing language in discussions about war can help desensitize fears and create a more compassionate discourse.

Literature

  • Writers often explore themes of civilianizing through narratives that depict the struggles of characters transitioning from military to civilian life.
  • Novels addressing post-war experiences frequently emphasize the challenges of adjusting back to a civilian lifestyle, showcasing personal growth and resilience.

Origin of 'civilianizing'

Main points about word origin

  • Originates from the word 'civilian', which refers to a person who is not in the military and can be traced back to the Latin 'civilis', meaning 'relating to citizens'.
  • The suffix '-izing' indicates the process of making or becoming, adding action to the concept of civilian life.

The term 'civilianizing' originated in the late 20th century as a response to the changing nature of warfare and the need to optimize military resources. With advancements in technology and changes in global conflicts, many countries started to explore the option of converting military positions to civilian ones. This not only helped in reducing military expenditure but also allowed for a more efficient allocation of resources. The concept of civilianizing continues to evolve as organizations strive to find the most cost-effective and strategic ways to operate.


See also: civil, civilian, civilianization, civilisation, civility, civilization, civilly, incivility, uncivil, uncivilized.