Institutionalized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
institutionalized
[หษชn.stษชหtjuห.สษn.ษ.laษชzd ]
Definition
social context
Institutionalized refers to the process by which something, typically a practice or behavior, becomes established and accepted as a formal practice within an organization or society. It often implies a systematization of certain norms, making them a fundamental aspect of institutional operations.
Synonyms
established, formalized, normalized, systematized.
Examples of usage
- The institutionalized practices in education ensure consistency.
- Changes in policy can lead to institutionalized reforms.
- Institutionalized discrimination can be hard to eradicate.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sociology
- In sociology, this term refers to how certain behaviors or norms are embedded within social systems, shaping people's actions.
- Institutionalization protects established ways of working, which can help stability but sometimes make change harder.
Psychology
- People can become accustomed to institutionalized settings over time, which may impact their social skills and adaptability.
- Institutionalization can also refer to individuals being placed in organizations like mental health facilities, sometimes leading to long-term dependency.
History
- Many historical movements sought to challenge or reform institutionalized practices, especially regarding civil rights and social justice.
- The process of institutionalization has changed in the 20th century, notably in education and healthcare, challenging earlier norms.
Pop Culture
- Films and books often depict the struggles of individuals against institutionalized systems, highlighting themes of freedom and rebellion.
- Shows like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' critique institutionalized mental health systems and their impact on individuality.
Origin of 'institutionalized'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from 'institution', which describes an organized system, joined with '-alize', meaning to make or become.
- It has been used in the English language since the early 20th century to describe practices and policies in organizations.
The word 'institutionalized' derives from the root 'institution', which comes from the Latin word 'institutio', meaning 'a setting up' or 'establishing'. The suffix '-alized' indicates the action of making something into an institution. The term began to gain prominence in the social sciences during the 20th century, particularly in discussions about social structures, norms, and behaviors that become normalized within different entities such as governments, schools, and corporations. Its use has expanded to address how certain practices become entrenched in societal framework, leading to discussions around issues like institutionalized inequality, institutionalized religion, and many other contexts where established norms dictate behavior.