释义 |
in·sti·tu·tion·al·ism \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈt(y)üshənəlˌizəm, ̷ ̷ˈt(y)ü-, -shnəˌli-\ noun (-s) 1. : adherence to, upholding of, or acceptance of established institutions (as of society or religion) : belief in or dependence on that which is sanctified and given authority as an institution < exhibiting an excessive conventionalism and institutionalism in religion > 2. a. : a policy or theory favoring extended use of public institutions (as for defectives and criminals); also : such use of public institutions < with declining family solidarity institutionalism became increasingly important in the care of the sick, the unwanted, the aged > b. : the characteristics (as regimentation, standardization, and impersonality) that are associated with institutional life < there was no institutionalism about this happy home > 3. a. : the doctrines and teachings of institutional economics b. : a theory that regards the establishment and maintenance of institutions (as for education, charity, and social activities) as an essential function of a church |