rationalization

Rationalization, in sociology, refers to the process by which society increasingly relies on logic, efficiency, and scientific methods for organization and decision-making, moving away from tradition and emotion. Sociologist Max Weber described this as the "disenchantment of the world," where supernatural explanations are replaced by scientific ones. This process is evident in various aspects of modern life, including the economy, law, and even art, emphasizing calculable outcomes and systematic procedures, often embodied in bureaucracy. While rationalization offers efficiency, it can also lead to a loss of traditional values and a focus on instrumental reason over other forms of human experience.12