===== Legitimacy =====

**Legitimacy** refers to the perception or recognition that an individual, institution, rule, or action is appropriate, justified, and accepted within a given context.

==== Types of Legitimacy ====
  * **Legal legitimacy**: Based on conformity with established laws or rules.
  * **Moral or ethical legitimacy**: Based on shared values, fairness, or justice.
  * **Professional legitimacy**: Recognition of authority or competence within a specific field (e.g., medicine, law).
  * **Sociopolitical legitimacy**: Acceptance by the public or a community that grants authority to a leader, policy, or institution.

==== Key Elements ====
  * **Recognition** by others
  * **Justification** of authority or action
  * **Acceptance** as valid or rightful
  * Often linked to **trust** and **credibility**

==== Example in Academic Neurosurgery ====
  * A neurosurgical training program gains **legitimacy** when it is accredited by a national board and recognized by leading hospitals and academic societies.

==== Related Concepts ====
  * [[Authority]]
  * [[Credibility]]
  * [[Validity]]