politicized

Politicized is an adjective used to describe something that has become infused with political significance or is used to advance political objectives. The related verb politicize means to make an issue political, to frame it in political terms, or to bring it under political control. Politicization can arise when actors, institutions, or discourse convert nonpolitical matters into political ones, or when political considerations dominate decision making and interpretation.

Contexts and dynamics: Politicization occurs across government, media, science, culture, and civil society. It may reflect legitimate policy relevance, such as budgeting, regulation, or governance, or it may result from partisan competition, ideological mobilization, or strategic framing. The same process can be described as legitimate public debate or as manipulation aimed at influencing opinions.

Examples include the politicization of climate science, public health guidance, education curricula, or judicial appointments; the politicization of religion in public life; and media coverage shaped by partisan frames. In each case, the issue is presented or perceived as inherently political, even if it touches on areas traditionally treated as nonpolitical.

Impacts: politicization can promote accountability by forcing public justification and scrutiny, but it can also deepen polarization, reduce trust in institutions, and bias evidence interpretation. The balance between necessary political oversight and partisan distortion is a common subject of analysis in political science and public discourse.