Entitlementing

Entitlementing refers to the process of establishing or asserting a right or claim to something. This can encompass a wide range of contexts, from legal and property rights to social and psychological expectations. In a legal sense, entitlementing is the formal recognition of a right, often through documentation or court orders. For example, obtaining a patent or a copyright is a form of entitlementing that grants exclusive rights to an invention or creative work. Similarly, claiming benefits or social security is an entitlementing process based on established eligibility criteria.

Socially, entitlementing can describe the perception or belief that one deserves certain privileges, advantages, or treatment. This often stems from societal norms, upbringing, or group affiliations. Psychological entitlement, a related concept, refers to an unrealistic sense of deservingness that can lead to interpersonal difficulties. It is characterized by an inflated view of one's own importance and a belief that one should receive special treatment without reciprocal obligations. Understanding entitlementing involves recognizing the various mechanisms and perceptions through which rights and claims are established and asserted in different spheres of life.