Contextualization

Definition

Contextualization refers to the ability to place events, ideas, or individuals within a larger historical context to better understand their significance. It's about understanding the 'bigger picture' and how specific details fit into it.

Analogy

Think of contextualization like putting together a puzzle. Each piece (event, idea, individual) has its own shape and image, but it's only when you put all the pieces together that you can see the full picture (the broader historical context).

Related terms

Historical Context: This is the backdrop of relevant social, political, cultural or economic events happening at the same time as the event being studied. It helps us understand why something happened.

Chronological Thinking: This involves understanding events in their order of occurrence. It helps us see cause-and-effect relationships between different events.

Interpretation: This is about making sense of historical data by analyzing evidence from multiple sources and drawing conclusions based on that analysis.