Internaliserat

Internaliserat is the Swedish term used to describe something that has been internalized—attitudes, norms, values, or beliefs that have been absorbed into an individual’s own mental framework and self-regulation. In psychology and sociology, internalization refers to the process by which external standards, expectations, or social norms become part of a person’s own motivation and guide behavior without the need for external enforcement.

The process typically develops through socialization, identification with significant others, and repeated exposure to cultural practices. It involves cognitive integration, emotional alignment, and behavioral rehearsal, leading to actions that feel self-chosen rather than externally imposed. Internalization affects moral judgments, etiquette, political or religious beliefs, and cultural practices, and it can occur across the lifespan, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Outcomes of internalisering include greater self-control and consistency between beliefs and actions, as well as reduced reliance on external incentives or punishments. It can also create internal conflicts if newly adopted norms clash with prior beliefs or with power dynamics embedded in institutions. The concept is closely linked to theories of moral development, identity formation, and socialization, and it is discussed in both psychodynamic and social learning frameworks.

Terminology varies by language: the Swedish term internalisering corresponds to the English internalization, while the adjective form internaliserat describes something that has already been internalized. Critics caution that internalization is influenced by context and power relations, and may not fully account for external constraints or diverse cultural interpretations. Nevertheless, internalization remains a central concept for understanding how external demands are transformed into personal commitment and self-regulated behavior.