internalisaation

Internalisation, also written internalization in American English, is the process by which external ideas, norms, or conditions are absorbed into an actor's internal framework, influencing thoughts, attitudes, and behavior. The term is used across disciplines to describe how external influences become part of what guides action. The British variant internalisation is common, while American English uses internalization. A less standard spelling, internalisaation, may appear in some texts but is not widely accepted.

In sociology and anthropology, internalisation refers to socialization processes by which individuals come to accept and enact the norms, values, and roles of their group. Through identification, imitation, reinforcement, and reflection, external expectations become self-imposed standards, enabling self-regulation and conscience.

In psychology and developmental science, internalisation describes how external rules and moral norms are incorporated into a person’s own mental life. The concept is prominent in theories of moral development and in Vygotsky’s sociocultural framework, which notes that social speech becomes inner thought.

In economics and political economy, internalisation refers to incorporating external costs or benefits into decision making. This often involves price signals, taxes, subsidies, or regulation to align private incentives with social welfare; firms can internalize externalities by changing production methods or through contracts and organizational arrangements.

In organizational and knowledge management contexts, internalisation can describe the embedding of knowledge, routines, and capabilities within an organization, strengthening capabilities and reducing leakage to external actors.

The concept contrasts with externalisation, where external factors remain outside the actor’s internal decision process. It has implications for policy design, regulation, ethical conduct, and strategies for learning and development.