Politicisation

Politicisation (also politicization; see English spelling differences) is a concept in political science and theory used to explain how ideas, entities or collections of facts are given a political tone or character, and are consequently assigned to the ideas and strategies of a particular group or party, thus becoming the subject of contestation. Politicisation has been described as compromising objectivity,^[1] and is linked with political polarisation.^[2][3] Conversely, it can have a democratising effect and enhance political choice,^[4] and has been shown to improve the responsiveness of supranational institutions such as the European Union.^[5] The politicisation of a group is more likely to occur when justifications for political violence are considered acceptable within a society, or in the absence of norms condemning violence.^[6]

Depoliticisation, the reverse process, is when issues are no longer the subject of political contestation. It is characterised by governance through consensus-building and pragmatic compromise.^[7] It occurs when subjects are left to experts, such as technocratic or bureaucratic institutions, or left to individuals and free markets, through liberalisation or deregulation. It is often connected with multi-level governance.^[8] The concept has been used to explain the "democratic gap" between politicians and citizens who lack choice, agency and opportunities for deliberation.^[9] In the 21st century, depoliticisation has been linked to disillusionment with neoliberalism.^[10] Depoliticisation has negative consequences for regime legitimacy,^[11] and produces anti-political sentiment associated with populism, which can result in "repoliticisation" (politicisation following depoliticisation).^[12][13]

Current studies of politicisation are separated into various subfields. It is primarily examined on three separate levels: within national political systems, within the European Union and within international institutions.^[14] Academic approaches vary greatly and are frequently disconnected. It has been studied from subdisciplines such as comparative politics, political sociology, European studies and legal theory.^[15]

The politicisation of science occurs when actors stress the inherent uncertainty of scientific method to challenge scientific consensus, undermining the positive impact of science on political debate by causing citizens to dismiss scientific evidence.^[16]