COOPTATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cooptation is a term used in the field of political science and sociology to refer to a process of incorporating individuals or groups who were previously considered outsiders into an existing structure or system, often for the purpose of neutralizing or co-opting their potential activism or challenging behavior. This strategy is commonly employed by those in power to maintain stability, control, and legitimacy.
In the political context, cooptation typically occurs when ruling elites or dominant political parties invite opposition groups, activists, or leaders into the established political system. By doing so, those in power aim to weaken the potential threat posed by these groups and gain their loyalty or compliance. This can be achieved through offering positions of authority, privileges, or rewards to co-opted individuals or groups.
Moreover, cooptation can extend beyond politics to other realms, such as corporations or social movements. In these contexts, cooptation can involve the integration of dissenting employees or marginalized voices into decision-making processes, often as a means to diffuse discontent or counter popular movements that challenge the status quo.
While cooptation may appear to provide a sense of inclusion or representation, it can also be seen as a strategy to control dissent and divert potential challenges to power. Scholars and activists often critique cooptation as a tactic that neutralizes radical elements, diffuses genuine opposition, and perpetuates existing power structures rather than promoting true inclusion or systemic change.
Common Misspellings for COOPTATION
- coopertation
- co-optation
- cooption
- coaptation
- xooptation
- vooptation
- fooptation
- dooptation
- cioptation
- ckoptation
- cloptation
- cpoptation
- c0optation
- c9optation
- cokptation
- colptation
- copptation
- co0ptation
- co9ptation
- coootation
Etymology of COOPTATION
The word "cooptation" is derived from the Latin term "cooptatio", which is a noun form of the verb "cooptare". "Cooptare" consists of the prefix "co-" meaning "together" and the verb "optare" meaning "to choose" or "to select". Thus, "cooptatio" can be translated as "choosing together" or "a joint selection". Over time, this Latin term has been anglicized and evolved into "cooptation" in English.
Similar spelling words for COOPTATION
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