operacionalização

Operacionalização is a term used in the context of sociology, particularly in the works of Norbert Elias, a German-born British sociologist. It refers to the process by which societal norms, values, and social structures become embedded in the daily routines and interactions of individuals and social groups.

In the sense of Elias's work, operacionalisation describes how social norms and values are translated into concrete behaviors and practices, often in ways that are habitual and involuntary. For example, notions of politeness, courtesy, and respect for others may become internalized and operate automatically in our daily interactions, influencing how we behave in public and how we respond to others.

The concept of operacionalisation is closely tied to Elias's ideas on the civilizing process, which refers to the gradual development of more complex and refined social norms and values over time. Operacionalisation is seen as a key mechanism by which this process occurs, as individuals and social groups adapt to and internalize new norms and values, turning them into routine and habitual practices.

Through operacionalisation, social norms and values are transformed from abstract ideas into concrete, lived experiences that shape our behavior and interactions. This process can be seen as a form of socialization, where individuals learn to conform to and reproduce the social norms of their community. operationalisation thus highlights the dynamic and ongoing nature of social normation, as well as its embeddedness in the everyday lives of individuals.