Postlegitimation is a term used to describe the process or state of validating or justifying something, particularly an action, behavior, or belief, after it has been deemed or accepted as illegitimate or lacking validity by the majority or a relevant authority. It refers to the retrospective undertaking of providing legitimacy or justification for something that was initially seen as unauthorized, inappropriate, or unsupported.
This concept often arises when an individual, group, or institution seeks to validate or legitimate a decision, action, or policy that has already been taken or implemented without prior approval or acceptance. Postlegitimation can involve various strategies, such as providing rationalizations, explanations, or justifications for the initial action or reaffirming its legitimacy through subsequent actions or outcomes.
The term is rooted in the recognition that people or entities sometimes engage in activities or adopt beliefs that deviate from established norms, standards, or principles, leading to a perception of illegitimacy. Postlegitimation attempts to address this perceived illegitimacy by retroactively constructing arguments or evidence to support the validity and appropriateness of the previously contested action or belief.
Postlegitimation can be observed in diverse contexts, including politics, law, business, and social movements, where actors may engage in efforts to rehabilitate their image, regain public trust, or reestablish the validity of their decisions or positions. It is often seen as a strategic response to the challenges posed by initial illegitimacy, aiming to alter perceptions and narratives surrounding the issue at hand.
