subsidiarity

British  

/ səbˌsɪdɪˈærɪtɪ /

noun

1. (in the Roman Catholic Church) a principle of social doctrine that all social bodies exist for the sake of the individual so that what individuals are able to do, society should not take over, and what small societies can do, larger societies should not take over

2. (in political systems) the principle of devolving decisions to the lowest practical level

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Example Sentences

But he said history makes clear that Europe is a common home to many, and he called for Europe to “revitalize its vocation to solidarity and subsidiarity today.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 11, 2021

Instead, he’s trying to reconcile the ongoing tension outlined in Catholic social teaching, between solidarity and subsidiarity, between what the state owes its people and what those people owe one another.

From Slate • Feb. 17, 2021

Mr. Halpin also tosses aside an idea, subsidiarity, that Catholic and non-Catholic political theorists have long found compelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2016

Unfortunately, much of the education reform movement seems to distrust subsidiarity.

From US News • Sep. 27, 2016

Ryan recently spoke to Hill interns of his philosophy in terms of subsidiarity as an organizing principle in both his Catholic faith and his politics.

From Washington Post • Apr. 5, 2016