Endogenous

Endogenous Definition

Endogenous is an adjective derived from the Greek meaning ’caused from within’, and it is used to describe phenomena that originate internally rather than being caused by external factors. In a sociological context, this term is applied to various social and human processes that are generated internally by the system itself, as opposed to being reactions to outside stimuli.

Examples in Sociology

A key application of the concept is seen in psychological studies, such as endogenous depression, which refers to a form of depressive state that is internally generated within the individual and is not a reaction to external environmental pressures or stimuli.