Disordering: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'apart' or 'not', and 'order', which refers to arrangement.
• Historically, it has roots in Latin, where 'disordinare' means to put out of order.
• In English, it has been used since at least the 14th century, often describing situations that lack organization.

Psychology

• In mental health, 'disordering' can refer to the manifestation of conditions where thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are significantly out of sync.
• The mind's reaction to trauma can lead to cognitive disordering, causing confusion and a feeling of chaos in one’s thoughts.
• Disordering of perceptions, such as in schizophrenia, may lead individuals to experience reality in fragmented or confusing ways.

Sociology

• In a social context, disordering may relate to societal breakdowns, where the structure and norms of society become chaotic.
• Social movements can sometimes be seen as 'disordering' forces challenging the established order.
• Urban environments can experience physical disordering during protests or riots, leading to a temporary breakdown of usual social arrangements.

Art

• Contemporary art often explores themes of disordering, using techniques that disrupt traditional forms and invite viewer interpretation.
• Artists like Jackson Pollock created 'disordered' paintings that defy conventional structures, representing chaos on canvas.
• Dadaism, an art movement, embraced disordering as a form of protest against the rationalism that preceded World War I.