Legitimization

Legitimization is the process of making something acceptable or lawful, often by providing a justification or rationale for it. It can involve granting official status, gaining public acceptance, or establishing moral authority. This process transforms something previously considered questionable, illegal, or unacceptable into a recognized and supported entity or practice. It frequently involves changing perceptions and attitudes through various means, such as legal frameworks, cultural narratives, or social endorsement. The goal is to remove any stigmas, challenges, or doubts associated with the subject, solidifying its position and increasing its influence or sustainability.

Legitimization meaning with examples

• The government's attempts at legitimization of the coup involved rewriting the constitution and controlling media outlets to portray the new regime favorably, aiming to gain both internal and international recognition.
• Through decades of campaigning and cultural shifts, LGBTQ+ rights gained widespread legitimization, marked by legal protections, societal acceptance, and the portrayal of diverse relationships in popular media.
• The historical revisionism employed by some nations to legitimize past actions involved downplaying negative aspects and highlighting perceived benefits to shape national identity and maintain power structures.
• The rise of artificial intelligence and its applications requires the ongoing legitimization of its ethical considerations, including addressing biases, ensuring transparency, and establishing accountability frameworks.
• The legitimization of the company’s environmentally destructive practices by their marketing campaign, falsely depicting their sustainability efforts and mitigating damage to the environment, proved to be counterproductive.