Secularization is the process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance. This can occur in various ways, such as the decline of religious authority in public life or the increasing acceptance of non-religious worldviews. As societies modernize, many people may prioritize scientific reasoning and individualism over traditional religious beliefs. The effects of secularization can be seen in many aspects of life, including education, politics, and culture. For example, in some countries, laws and policies are increasingly based on secular principles rather than religious doctrines. This shift can lead to greater religious pluralism and the rise of humanism and atheism as alternative belief systems.