institutionalization

[in-sti-too-shuh-nl-ahy-zey-shuhn, -tyoo-]

noun

1. the act or process of establishing a group, movement, program, etc., as a permanent and publicly recognized entity for the promotion of a particular cause.

   The study measures the level of institutionalization of 28 African political parties based on four dimensions: roots in society, level of organization, autonomy, and coherence.

   The introduction of clearly designated offices of leadership, like elders and bishops, marked a growing institutionalization of the church.

2. the process of making a principle or pattern of behavior into a normative policy or practice perpetuated in public establishments such as schools, courts, legislative bodies, etc..

   We are committed to the institutionalization of racial and gender equality.

3. the act or practice of placing a person into a care facility, as for elderly people or those with mental illness, addiction, disabilities, etc..

   The downside is that institutionalization severely limits a person's ability to interact with family and friends, to work, and to participate in community life.

Other Word Forms

• reinstitutionalization noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of institutionalization¹

institutionaliz(e) ( def. ) + -ation ( def. )