SUBSIDIARITY
IF I HAVE A POTHOLE ON THE STREET, I DO NOT NEED THE WHO OR THE UN INVOLVED IN THE SOLUTION TO THE POTHOLE PROBLEM. Nick Hudson
IF I HAVE A POTHOLE ON THE STREET, I DO NOT NEED THE WHO OR THE UN INVOLVED IN THE SOLUTION TO THE POTHOLE PROBLEM.
Nick Hudson
SUBSIDIARITY
The principle of subsidiarity states that decisions should be made at ‘the lowest level possible and highest level necessary’. This has implications for every aspect of our lives. In the health system, it guides decision-making around patient care. In the markets, it challenges the commercial models of global corporations. In government, it places a check on the power of politicians, who increasingly seek to micro-manage every aspect of our lives.
The concept was introduced by Pope Pius XI in Quadregesimo Anno in 1931. He was concerned with how to counter the growing power of the state and the increasing individualism of Western societies. He foresaw the risks of a social order made up solely of individuals and the state, with no communities, companies or other institutions in between. Sound familiar?
Subsidiarity is proposed as a solution to this challenge. This is not just practical; it is also a moral and ethical duty that respects the rights and autonomy of citizens and leads to the creation of more diverse, robust and resilient systems. It is an important framing for the new paradigm we are working towards.
Pius 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." (79)
Pius made this statement under Mussolini's fascist regime in Italy, yet his words are universally applicable and increasingly relevant today.
Importantly, the principle does not demand a state of anarchy. Hierarchies are valuable, but only when the individual or lower orders of the system are unable to make the decisions or do the work required of them. \
This must be done in the spirit of service:
"Hierarchical systems evolve from the bottom up. The purpose of the upper layers of the hierarchy is to serve the purposes of the lower layers.” Donella Meadows, Thinking In Systems
Read that quote again.
It's extremely important.
If the situation is reversed, and the lower layers of the hierarchy have been set up to serve the higher, the system begins to degrade. The higher layers erode their own foundations through extractive practices. In extremis, this can lead to systemic collapse. As we are seeing unfold in the world around us today.
PATTERN is pursuing scenarios where citizens, families, communities and Nations are as strong and self-reliant as possible. Coordination and execution of systemic activity in the public, private and social sectors should be distributed as broadly as possible across the Nation.
This means shorter supply chains, localised production and distribution of goods across the economic system.
More small businesses.
More local, regional and national champions instead of global corporations.
More local groups with roots in their community coordinating the delivery of services.
Less global investment.
Fewer diktats from central functions in Whitehall, the City of London or further afield.
As far as possible, the Nation and its Citizens must stand on their own two feet.
Join the discussion at pattern.mn.co
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E pluribus unum.
Ben Rubin
PATTERN
Further investigation: