institutionalism

[ in-sti-too-shuh-nl-iz-uhm, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. the system of institutions or organized societies devoted to public, charitable, or similar purposes.
2. strong attachment to established institutions, as of religion.
3. the policy or practice of using public institutions to house and care for people considered incapable of caring for themselves.
4. the belief or policy that a church must maintain institutions of education, welfare, etc., for its members.

institutionalism

/ ˌɪnstɪˈtjuːʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the system of or belief in institutions

Derived Forms

• ˌinstiˈtutionalist, noun

Other Words From

• insti·tution·al·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of institutionalism¹

First recorded in 1860–65; institutional + -ism

Example Sentences

Boston University School of Law professor Jed Shugerman told Salon that particularly in the most recent Supreme Court term, Roberts has veered from institutionalism.

From Salon

By staking its entire bid for relevance on ideas that are mostly advanced by the sitting president of the United States and his party, and on a belief in institutionalism that is already fervently supported by leading Democrats, the group all but doomed its efforts from the get-go.

From Slate

The President Joe Biden era has been good for institutionalism generally, because the president himself seems to understand and appreciate the nature of his office more than Obama ever did.

From Seattle Times

“The price that Peru pays for the form of institutionalism that the military and the police offers is impunity,” Mr. Puente said.

From New York Times

For all of them, ideology trumped institutionalism.

From Washington Post