Sociology Plus
Communitarianism Definition
Communitarianism is a social philosophy that prioritises the importance of the community in shaping individual life and moral understanding, developed largely in response to the perceived individualism of the 1980s. It stresses that the rights and responsibilities of individuals are inextricably linked to their social context and the structures of the community. Communitarians argue that a coherent theory of rights must account for social structures, asserting that collective rights apply to social groups such as ethnic communities or trade unions, thereby challenging the liberal focus solely on individual entitlements.
Philosophical Contrast with Liberalism
Communitarianism is often contrasted with liberalism, which posits that the good is determined by the autonomous choices of the individual. While liberalism emphasises individual autonomy and self-interest, communitarians contend that values are not universally applicable but are instead shaped by historical and social inheritance passed down through generations. They argue that social institutions and policies should reflect these shared, inherited values rather than being based purely on voluntary agreements among individuals.
The Role of Social Institutions
Communitarian thought places significant emphasis on the moral infrastructure of society, including families, schools, and communities. Communitarians suggest that individuals are not fully equipped for a good life merely by acquiring virtue; they require continuous reinforcement from their social environment. Communities provide this reinforcement through their “moral voice”—informal sanctions embedded in relationships—which helps sustain moral commitments. This collective moral framework is seen as essential for maintaining social order and guiding moral development.
Responsive Communitarianism
A key strand of communitarianism, often termed responsive communitarianism (advanced by figures like Amitai Etzioni), seeks a balance between individual liberty and social order. This perspective assumes that a good society requires balancing particularistic communal values with broader societal bonds. While acknowledging the right to freedom, responsive communitarians argue that certain actions or expressions are morally offensive when viewed from the community’s perspective. Furthermore, they reject cultural relativism, asserting that some values possess a higher moral standing compatible with the good society, and thus do not accept practices that violate communal mutuality or social responsibility.
Key Thinkers and Legacy
The movement gained prominence in the 1980s through the work of thinkers such as Charles Taylor, Michael Sandel, and Michael Walzer, who critiqued liberalism for overlooking the socially embedded nature of human existence. Later developments saw a new school emerge in 1990, featuring scholars like William A. Galston, Mary Ann Glendon, and Amitai Etzioni, who laid the foundation for responsive communitarianism. Important texts include The Spirit of Community (1993) by Amitai Etzioni and Habits of the Heart (1985) by Robert Bellah and colleagues.