Subsidiarity is a principle in Catholic social doctrine recognizing the importance of governmental decision-making being kept as close to the individuals affected by it as possible, and higher authorities only intervening if/when necessary. This principle is set forth in various Catholic sources, including the Catechism of the Catholic Church, papal encyclicals, and other Church documents. Let’s take a look.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (“CCC”) defines subsidiarity thus: “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society” (CCC 1883).
Papal encyclicals Quadragesimo Anno (1931, Pope Pius XI) and Centesimus Annus (1991, Pope John Paul II) explain how subsidiarity contributes to a more just society and maximizes human flourishing. In Quadragesimo Anno, Pope Pius XI writes, “Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community, so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do” (QA 79). In Centesimus Annus, Pope John Paul II states, “The principle of subsidiarity must be respected: a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good” (CA 48).
Subsidiarity also happens to aligns with the American Constitutional republicanism and individual freedom; by prioritizing individual responsibility and community support, subsidiarity promotes self-sufficiency and empowerment at the local level, allowing for decentralized decision-making and the distribution of power and authority among individuals, families, and communities. This approach also emphasizes the importance of accountability and justice in governance, as decision-making is kept as close to the people as possible.
In recent years, the principle of subsidiarity has been invoked in debates over issues such as immigration, environmental regulation, and economic policy. Some have argued that the principle supports a more decentralized approach to these issues, while others have criticized its use as a way to justify policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the most vulnerable.
Americans should appreciate the concept of subsidiarity since it aligns with the Constitutional implications of de-centralized governance, republicanism, and individual freedom.
