What is the process of turning something into a commodity for sale known as?

The process of turning something into a commodity for sale is known as commodification. This involves transforming goods, services, or ideas that may not necessarily have been available for purchase into items that can be traded in the marketplace. Commodification not only alters the nature of a product but also influences how society values it, often resulting in increased accessibility and consumption.

This concept is important in various fields, including economics and sociology, as it can lead to shifts in market dynamics and social relationships. For example, turning cultural practices or natural resources into commodities can lead to commercialization, which refers more broadly to the process of managing or running something for financial gain rather than the transformation aspect emphasized in commodification.

Understanding commodification is crucial for analyzing how economic systems function and how different entities engage with resources, services, and goods within those markets.