Rationalization is the procedure and effect of rationalizing.
In order to correctly establish the meaning of the term rationalization , it is important to begin by knowing its etymological origin. Thus, in this sense, we can determine that it derives from Latin since it is composed of elements from that language:
-The noun “ratio”, which can be translated as “reason”.
-”-izare”, which is used as a synonym for “convert into”.
-The suffix “-cion”, which is used to indicate “action and effect”.
What is rationalization
The process and result of rationalizing is known as rationalization . This verb, for its part, refers to the optimization of times, costs or efforts based on planning; or to the reduction of some concept to a rational notion . In the field of mathematics , rationalizing consists of eliminating the radicals found in the denominator of a fractional number.
For example: "We have to analyze the process to achieve the rationalization of production" , "The speaker expanded with his opinions, but I need the rationalization of what was explained" , "The evaluation will include several binomial rationalization exercises" .
For psychoanalysis, rationalization is an unconscious defense mechanism.
The concept according to psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis , for its part, speaks of rationalization as one of the unconscious defense mechanisms that a person has. This mechanism is set in motion when an individual attempts to justify, from a logical perspective, some action or emotion that, without the corresponding rational justification, would cause some conflict (guilt, uncertainty, etc.).
With rationalization, the person convinces himself of his justification: he does not use a lie or an excuse, but rather develops an unconscious mechanism that allows him to rationalize what he has done and keeps him compliant.
Examples of rationalization
Suppose that, in a relationship, a man makes constant “jokes” to his wife, through which he transmits criticism and negative comments. When faced with his wife's complaints, the man defends himself by claiming that they are just jokes, and not recognizing that he is attacking his partner for some reason. In this way, the individual appeals to rationalization.
There are many other examples that can be used to understand how human beings use rationalization in their daily lives to try to justify or find an explanation for why they act in one way or another. Thus, a person who is clearly diagnosed as obsessive neurotic with regard to cleanliness and hygiene habits can justify his attitudes by stating that this is because hygiene standards are fundamental to having optimal and adequate health and that he responds to medical criteria.
In the same way, someone who manifests himself as a homophobe can rationalize his attitude by stating that homosexuality does not contribute to reproduction and, therefore, does not help to “continue the species.”
In addition to rationalization as a defense mechanism that human beings use from a psychological point of view, we would have to highlight that they also resort to the use of others such as identification, which helps them strengthen their self-esteem; the displacement of emotional feelings; projection, reactive formation or what is known as regression.