INFANTILIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Infantilization is a noun that refers to the act or process of treating someone or something as if they were a child, regardless of their age or maturity level. This term describes the act of reducing an individual or a group's autonomy, agency, or independence by treating them in a patronizing or excessively protective manner.
In the context of individuals, such as adults or older teenagers, infantilization is the act of treating them with excessive care or consideration, limiting their decision-making abilities, and assuming that they lack the capabilities to handle tasks or responsibilities independently. This treatment often stems from a desire to protect them from harm or to maintain a sense of control over their actions.
Infantilization can also occur within a group or society, where certain individuals or communities are marginalized or deprived of equal rights due to assumptions about their incompetence or immaturity. This can manifest as limiting their access to opportunities, resources, or decision-making processes based on paternalistic beliefs.
The term can also apply in broader contexts, such as the patronizing representation of certain cultures or ethnic groups in media or literature, where their customs, traditions, or cultural expressions are reduced to stereotypical or simplistic portrayals.
Infantilization can have detrimental effects on individuals or communities, denying them opportunities for growth, development, and self-expression. It is seen as a form of oppression or discrimination that undermines the dignity and equality of those affected.
Common Misspellings for INFANTILIZATION
- unfantilization
- jnfantilization
- knfantilization
- onfantilization
- 9nfantilization
- 8nfantilization
- ibfantilization
- imfantilization
- ijfantilization
- ihfantilization
- indantilization
- incantilization
- invantilization
- ingantilization
- intantilization
- inrantilization
- infzntilization
- infsntilization
- infwntilization
- infqntilization
- infantaization
Etymology of INFANTILIZATION
The word "infantilization" is derived from the noun "infantile", which comes from the Latin word "infantilis". "Infantilis" is a combination of two Latin words: "infans", meaning "infant" or "child", and the suffix "-ilis", denoting relation or connection. When the suffix "-ize" is added to "infantilis", it forms the verb "infantilize", which means to treat or depict someone in a manner typical of an infant or a child. The term "infantilization" itself refers to the act or process of infantilizing someone or something.
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