Subsidiarity

Definition

Subsidiarity is a principle in political philosophy that suggests matters ought to be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. It emphasizes that decisions should be made at a local level whenever possible, promoting self-governance and the idea that higher levels of authority should only intervene when necessary. This principle encourages community involvement and accountability in decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The principle of subsidiarity is closely associated with Catholic social teaching but is also relevant in secular political theory, promoting local governance.
2. By encouraging lower levels of government to handle issues, subsidiarity aims to prevent overreach by central authorities, fostering a sense of community responsibility.
3. Subsidiarity supports the notion that larger organizations should assist smaller ones without undermining their autonomy, promoting collaboration over control.
4. The implementation of subsidiarity can lead to more effective public policies, as local authorities are often more attuned to the specific needs of their communities.
5. Critics argue that subsidiarity can lead to inequalities, as not all localities have the same resources or capacity to manage responsibilities effectively.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of subsidiarity challenge liberal individualism?
  • The principle of subsidiarity challenges liberal individualism by asserting that community and collective decision-making play a crucial role in social organization. While liberal individualism emphasizes personal autonomy and rights, subsidiarity advocates for localized authority and responsibility, suggesting that individuals thrive within supportive communities. This perspective encourages active participation in civic life and recognizes the value of communal bonds in addressing social issues.
• In what ways can the application of subsidiarity enhance local governance while addressing concerns about centralization?
  • Applying subsidiarity enhances local governance by empowering communities to make decisions that directly affect their lives, leading to more responsive and tailored policies. By decentralizing authority, it reduces the risk of bureaucratic inefficiencies typical in centralized systems. Furthermore, this principle helps alleviate concerns about overreach by central governments, ensuring that higher levels only intervene when local entities lack the capability to address issues effectively.
• Critically assess the potential drawbacks of subsidiarity in relation to community disparities and governance capacities.
  • While subsidiarity promotes local governance, it can exacerbate existing disparities among communities with varying resources and capacities. Some areas may struggle with insufficient expertise or financial limitations, leading to ineffective governance or inequitable service delivery. This raises concerns about whether reliance on local authorities could undermine rights and protections for marginalized groups. A critical assessment must weigh these potential drawbacks against the benefits of localized decision-making to achieve a balanced approach to governance.

Related terms

communitarianism:

A political and social philosophy that emphasizes the importance of community in the shaping of individuals' lives and advocates for communal responsibilities over purely individual rights.

decentralization: The transfer of authority and responsibility from central to local governments, aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness to community needs.

localism: A political approach that prioritizes local governance and community-based solutions, advocating for decisions to be made close to the people affected by them.