noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun

1. 1
   The theory attributed to sociologist Q112383134 (Q112383134) that modernisation makes social life increasingly fragmented with a loss of close-knit communities, which process is seen to undermine religion. uncountable
2. 2
   The theory attributed to sociologist Jeffrey C. Alexander that social problems become objects of concern for the broader public sphere once actors within the sphere where the problem originated are shown to have infringed against the sphere's own values and failed to solve it internally (e.g. journalists revealing Catholic Church leaders' coverups of sexual abuse of children by priests). uncountable

Etymology

From societal + -ization.