legitimitat

Legitimitet, or legitimacy, is the general acceptance that an authority, institution, or decision is rightful, proper, or deserving of obedience. It is a normative concept that combines legality, moral justification, and public consent, shaping how authority is viewed and obeyed in practice. The term derives from Latin legitimus, meaning lawful or proper.

Legitimacy is often distinguished from legality. Legality refers to conformity with laws and rules, while legitimacy concerns whether people believe those laws and rules are appropriate and worthy of support. An authority can be legal but lack broad legitimacy if people view it as unjust or unrepresentative; conversely, a movement can possess legitimacy in the eyes of supporters even if it operates outside formal rules.

Several sources of legitimacy are commonly discussed. Legal legitimacy rests on conformity to the constitution and laws. Normative or moral legitimacy depends on perceived justice, rights protection, and ethical grounds. Procedural legitimacy emphasizes fair, inclusive processes, transparency, and accountability. Performance legitimacy arises when institutions deliver acceptable governance outcomes. Sociocultural legitimacy reflects shared values, traditions, and cultural support for a system.

Theories of legitimacy include Max Weber’s typology of traditional, charismatic, and rational-legal authority, each capable of sustaining legitimacy in different contexts. Legitimacy is often central to debates about democratic governance, statehood, and international recognition.

Legitimacy can be contested or eroded, leading to legitimacy crises or widespread protests, even where legal rules remain intact. Assessing legitimacy involves examining consent, participation, rule of law, protection of rights, and the effectiveness and fairness of institutions.