What is Subsidiarity?
A Short Course on Subsidiarity
by CAPP-USA
Subsidiarity is one of the three, key principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
Subsidiarity is one of three Catholic social teaching principles, and encourages personal responsibility and decisions made at the lowest level.
It emanates from the prime principle of Human Dignity insisting decisions in society be taken at the lowest competent level.
Why? Because problems are best solved at the level where they arise or, if this is not possible, at the lowest competent level.
Any activity that can be efficaciously performed by a more decentralized entity – should be.
Why is Subsidiarity Important?
Subsidiarity is A Principle of Human Flourishing
Subsidiarity is not just about efficiency. It prioritizes human fulfillment through personal freedom and responsibility.
It stresses the importance of individuals acting through their own deliberations, choices, and efforts, rather than relying on others to act on their behalf.
Subsidiarity also acknowledges the foundational role of families, communities, and associations – all of which precede the state. It is these groups which provide the conditions necessary for individuals to achieve their potential.
Subsidiarity is A Principle of Limited Government
Subsidiarity supports the common good and embraces pluralism – a key element of democracy.
It ensures the state does not impose. Rather it creates an environment where individuals can freely choose actions.
Subsidiarity ensures diverse paths are pursued by enabling decision-makers to negotiate solutions that contribute to the common good of the entire society.
Subsidiarity Guards Against Tyranny
Pope Francis reminds us that “No actual or established power has the right to deprive peoples of the full exercise of their sovereignty.” (Pope Francis, 3.2)
What individuals or smaller groups can handle independently should not be transferred to larger entities. Why?
“It is a fundamental principle of social philosophy, fixed and unchangeable, that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry. So, too, it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and a disturbance of right order to transfer to the larger and higher collectivity functions which can be performed and provided for by the lesser and subordinate bodies”. (Pope Pius XI, 79)
Subsidiarity Serves as a Justification for the State
By recognizing subsidiarity the state is, itself, justified: i.e., “will more freely, powerfully, and effectively do all those things that belong to it alone because it alone can do them”. (Pope Pius XI, 80)
The state must support civil society’s efforts to foster moral choices freely. Such an approach balances respect for human liberty with the need to encourage the actions of families and intermediate associations.
So, subsidiarity serves as both a justification for the state and a limitation on its powers. It affirms the state’s role in addressing what only it can accomplish and prevents it from overstepping its bounds.
Beyond the State
While acknowledging the state’s value, CST cautions against idolizing the ‘State’ as humanity’s ultimate horizon.
Catholic Social Teaching recognizes the instrumental nature of political authority and the limits of the state in addressing humanity’s ultimate purpose.
Subsidiarity thus ensures state institutions contribute to the moral/cultural fabric of society, while avoiding coercion in shaping virtues.
“Individuals and groups have the right to go their own way, even though they may sometimes make mistakes. In full respect for that freedom, civil society is called to help each person and social organization to take up its specific role and thus contribute to the common good.” (Pope Francis)
Bottom Line
Christianity rejects the myth of the divine state. It affirms that the infinite transcends and limits the finite. This perspective directs hope and salvation beyond political structures, pointing toward a higher, eternal reality. (Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger)
Learn more about Subsidiarity:
What Are the Practical Values of Solidarity & Subsidiarity?
