- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
