instrumentalization
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instrumentalization
The process by which a person, an idea, or a thing is misused for purposes other than its own, often in a manipulative or degrading way. The thing is turned into a mere means (instrument) to an end.
Kritiker warfen der Regierung eine Instrumentalisierung der Flüchtlingskrise für politische Zwecke vor.
Critics accused the government of instrumentalizing the refugee crisis for political purposes.
The word is derived from the verb 'instrumentalisieren' (to instrumentalize). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun and indicates that the word is feminine ('die Instrumentalisierung').
Die Instrumentalisierung von Emotionen ist eine bekannte Marketingstrategie.
The instrumentalization of emotions is a well-known marketing strategy.
This word is mainly used in formal contexts such as politics, media, and academia. It has a strongly negative meaning and implies misuse for self-serving purposes.
Der Historiker analysierte die Instrumentalisierung der Geschichte durch das Regime.
The historian analyzed the regime's instrumentalization of history.
The construction is often: 'Instrumentalisierung + genitive/von + für + accusative'. The genitive (or 'von') names what is being misused, and 'für' names the purpose.
Man warf ihm die Instrumentalisierung von Ängsten für seine Kampagne vor.
He was accused of instrumentalizing fears for his campaign.
Common verbs in this context are 'jemandem etwas vorwerfen' (to accuse someone of something), 'etwas kritisieren' (to criticize something), or 'vor etwas warnen' (to warn against something).
Experten warnen vor einer Instrumentalisierung der Wissenschaft.
Experts warn against the instrumentalization of science.
abuse / misuse
Missbrauch generally refers to the wrong, harmful, or unlawful use of something. Instrumentalisierung is more specific: a person, idea, or thing is turned into a mere means for someone else’s purposes. When this reduction to a means is exactly what is meant, Instrumentalisierung is the more precise term.
Die Verwendung der Hilfsaktion als bloßes Werbemittel war eine Instrumentalisierung.
Using the aid campaign merely as an advertising tool was instrumentalization.
Die private Werbung mit der Hilfsaktion war ein Missbrauch des Vertrauens der Spender.
Using the aid campaign for private advertising was an abuse of the donors’ trust.
