Rationalization

Definition

Rationalization is the process of replacing traditional, spontaneous, and emotional motivations for behavior with logical, calculated, and efficient motivations. In sociology, it refers to the way societies transition from a focus on customs, emotions, and personal ties to an emphasis on efficiency, predictability, and calculable measures.

Related terms

Bureaucracy: A system of administration distinguished by its clear hierarchy of authority, rigid division of labor, written rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships.

Capitalism: An economic system characterized by private or corporate ownership of goods and services for profit.

Modernity: A historical period marked by the move away from traditional modes of living to a world shaped by industrialization and rational thought