Procrustean

Procrustean refers to a methodology or process that is forcefully applied, disregarding any differences or uniqueness. The term originates from the Greek myth of Procrustes, a rogue smith and bandit who would adjust his guests to fit his iron bed, either by stretching them or cutting off their limbs. The Procrustean method is often used metaphorically to describe the process of eliminating or distorting data to fit a particular standard or assumption.

Origin

The term Procrustean is derived from the Greek mythological character Procrustes, also known as "the stretcher". Procrustes was a son of Poseidon, the god of the sea. He lived in a house by the side of the sacred way between Athens and Eleusis in ancient Greece. Procrustes had an iron bed in which he invited every passer-by to spend the night. If the guest was shorter than the bed, he would stretch him by hammering or racking the body to fit. Alternatively, if the guest was taller than the bed, he would amputate the excess length. Nobody ever fit the bed exactly because secretly Procrustes had two beds.

In Modern Usage

In modern usage, a Procrustean solution is the practice of arbitrarily cutting or extending data, people, or anything else to fit a particular standard or assumption. This approach is often used in various fields such as statistics, economics, and psychology where data is manipulated to fit a predetermined outcome or theory.

In literature, a Procrustean bed is a symbol of standardization, uniformity, and the enforcement of conformity at the expense of individuality and subjectivity. It is often used to critique systems or ideologies that promote one-size-fits-all solutions.

Criticism

The Procrustean method has been criticized for its disregard for individual differences and the potential harm it can cause. It is often seen as a symbol of oppressive systems that enforce conformity and suppress individuality. Critics argue that such an approach can lead to the loss of valuable information and can result in inaccurate or misleading outcomes.

See Also

• Procrustes analysis
• One size fits all
• Conformity
• Standardization