Sisäistetyt

Sisäistetyt is a Finnish term that translates to "internalized" in English. It is most commonly used in psychology and sociology to describe the process by which an individual adopts and incorporates the beliefs, values, norms, and attitudes of their society or a particular group into their own personality and understanding of the world. This process is often unconscious and occurs through socialization, learning, and interaction with others.

When something is internalized, it ceases to be an external rule or expectation and becomes an integral part of the individual's self. For example, a child internalizes societal norms about politeness through repeated reinforcement and observation. Eventually, the child acts politely not because they are being told to, but because it aligns with their own sense of appropriate behavior. This internalization contributes to the development of conscience and self-control.

The concept of internalized oppression, for instance, refers to a situation where members of a marginalized group come to believe the negative stereotypes and prejudices about their own group that are perpetuated by the dominant society. This can lead to self-doubt, shame, and a reluctance to challenge oppressive systems. Conversely, internalized values like empathy or justice can be powerful motivators for positive social action. The process of internalization is fundamental to understanding how individuals become members of a society and how social structures are maintained and transmitted across generations.