Definitions
- Describing the act of treating someone as an object or thing, rather than a person. - Referring to the process of turning something abstract into a concrete object. - Talking about the act of depersonalizing or dehumanizing someone or something.
- Referring to the act of using someone or something as a means to an end. - Describing the process of turning something into a tool or instrument for a specific purpose. - Talking about the act of exploiting or manipulating someone or something for personal gain.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe a process of using something or someone for a specific purpose.
- 2Both words can have negative connotations.
- 3Both words involve a degree of depersonalization or dehumanization.
What is the difference?
- 1Objectification is more focused on reducing someone or something to a mere object or thing, while instrumentalization is more focused on using someone or something as a means to an end.
- 2Objectification can involve a lack of agency or control, while instrumentalization can involve manipulation or exploitation.
- 3Objectification can be more passive, while instrumentalization is more active.
- 4Objectification can be related to issues of identity and representation, while instrumentalization is more related to issues of power and control.
- 5Objectification is often associated with gender and sexuality, while instrumentalization can be applied to a wider range of contexts.
Remember this!
While both objectified and instrumentalize describe a process of using something or someone for a specific purpose, they differ in their focus and connotations. Objectified emphasizes reducing someone or something to a mere object or thing, while instrumentalize emphasizes using someone or something as a means to an end. Additionally, objectified can be related to issues of identity and representation, while instrumentalize is more related to issues of power and control.
