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 Words From

• re·in·sti·tu·tion·al·i·za·tion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of institutionalization¹

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

Example Sentences

With antidepressants, he was not institutionalized and he could have plenty of sex with partners who were generally happy that premature ejaculation was the least of their worries.

From Ozy

Unlike Maryland, national costs for institutionalization as opposed to HCBS do not differ by an order of magnitude.

From The Daily Beast

The thing that concerns me the most is the institutionalization of some of these policies.

From The Daily Beast

Perhaps we should have easier institutionalization of the mentally ill, and damn the Bill of Rights.

From The Daily Beast