What does sortition mean?
Sortition is a process of selecting members of a group by chance or random sampling. This can be done through various methods, such as drawing names from a hat or using a random number generator. Sortition is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe a process of random selection, but it can also be used in informal contexts to describe a process that is perceived as fair or unbiased. The use of sortition in ancient Athens allowed for a more representative government, and it is still used today in jury selection to ensure a diverse range of perspectives. Sortition is a useful word to know because it can help to describe complex processes in a clear and concise way.
nounThe process of selecting members of a group, such as a government or jury, by chance or random sampling, rather than by election or appointment.
- The process of selecting members of a group by chance or random sampling.
"The new constitution was formed through a process of sortition, where citizens were randomly selected to participate in the drafting process."
"The use of sortition in ancient Athens allowed for a more representative government."
"In modern times, sortition is often used in jury selection to ensure a diverse range of perspectives."
The plural form of sortition is used when referring to multiple instances of the process.
"The use of sortitions in modern times has led to a more diverse range of perspectives in government."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of sortition
The word sortition comes from the Latin 'sortire', which means 'to draw lots'. This refers to the practice of drawing names from a hat or using a random number generator to select members of a group. The use of sortition dates back to ancient times, and it has been used in various forms throughout history.
How sortition is actually used
Sortition is often used in formal or academic contexts to describe a process of random selection. It can also be used in informal contexts to describe a process that is perceived as fair or unbiased.