SUBSIDIARITY Meaning and
Definition
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Subsidiarity is a concept frequently employed in political and administrative contexts, particularly in matters related to governance and decision-making processes. Derived from the Latin word "subsidiarius," which translates to "helping" or "supporting," subsidiarity refers to the principle of decentralized authority and decision-making.
At its core, subsidiarity emphasizes that decisions and actions should be undertaken at the lowest and most local level possible, allowing individuals or smaller units of government and organizations to manage and address issues effectively. In this regard, subsidiarity aims to strike a balance between centralization and decentralization, upholding the idea that higher levels of authority should intervene only when necessary or when matters cannot be resolved effectively at a lower level.
This concept promotes the idea that local communities, groups, or individuals possess more intimate knowledge and understanding of their unique circumstances and needs than distant, centralized bodies. Thus, subsidiarity protects the autonomy and self-governance of smaller units, preserving diversity, local customs, and individual liberties.
Subsidiarity is often linked to the functioning of federal or regional systems of government, where power and decision-making authority are distributed across various levels. It is also prevalent in discussions regarding the role of international organizations, suggesting that decisions should be made at the regional or national level instead of being excessively concentrated in supranational bodies.
Overall, subsidiarity serves as a guiding principle for achieving efficient and effective governance, ensuring that authority and responsibilities are delegated to the most appropriate and competent levels, while empowering local communities and individuals.
Common Misspellings for SUBSIDIARITY
Etymology of SUBSIDIARITY
The word "subsidiarity" originates from the Latin term "subsidiarius", which means "one who gives assistance" or "helping". It comes from the verb "subsidium", which means "to help" or "to support".
In the context of governance and politics, the term was first used by Pope Pius XI in his encyclical "Quadragesimo Anno" in 1931. It referred to the principle that higher-level institutions or authorities should only intervene when lower-level institutions are unable to effectively address a certain issue or provide the necessary support. Thus, subsidiarity entails that decisions and actions should be carried out at the most appropriate and lowest level of organization. The concept aims to promote decentralization, empowering smaller entities, and respecting their autonomy. It has since been adopted and expanded upon by various political and social theories.
Similar spelling words for SUBSIDIARITY
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