institutionalism: Meaning and Definition of

in•sti•tu•tion•al•ism

1. the system of institutions or organized societies devoted to public, charitable, or similar purposes.
2. strong attachment to established institutions, as of religion.
3. the policy or practice of using public institutions to house and care for people considered incapable of caring for themselves.
4. the belief or policy that a church must maintain institutions of education, welfare, etc., for its members.