internalizacj

Internalizacja, sometimes rendered in English as internalization, is the process by which external ideas, norms, values, beliefs, or effects become integrated into a person’s or an organization’s own framework. In Polish usage the term is internalizacja; in English-language contexts it is commonly referred to as internalization. The concept spans psychology, sociology, economics, and related fields, and its precise meaning depends on the disciplinary lens.

In psychology and cognitive development, internalizacja refers to adopting external standards or behaviors as part of one’s own motivations and self-concept. This can occur through social learning, identification with role models, and reflective endorsement of norms. Internalization is often contrasted with mere compliance or external regulation, since it implies that the ideas influence actions even in the absence of external pressure.

In sociology and cultural studies, internalizacja describes how individuals absorb and reproduce the norms and values of their culture or social group, shaping attitudes, goals, and identity. It is a key stage in socialization, contributing to regulated behavior, moral judgment, and social cohesion. Critical perspectives note that internalized norms can also legitimize unequal power structures if they are unquestioned or coercive.

In economics, internalizacji externalności refers to decisions that account for costs or benefits imposed on others. Mechanisms such as taxes, subsidies, or marketable permits are used to align private incentives with social welfare, addressing market failures where external effects would otherwise be ignored.

Overall, internalizacja is a multidimensional concept describing how external elements become part of internal reasoning, behavior, and policy.