Try the political quiz

Communitarianism

Prioritizing the well-being of the community as a whole leads to a more harmonious and prosperous society for all its members.

Overview Issues Discuss

About

  • Communitarianism is a political ideology that emphasizes the connection between the individual and the community. It is based on the belief that individual's social identity and personality are largely molded by community relationships, with a focus on community needs and goals over individual ones. Communitarianism is often contrasted with classical liberalism, a philosophy that holds individual rights and freedoms as paramount.

    The roots of communitarianism can be traced back to ancient philosophies, such as Confucianism in China and Hellenistic philosophies in Greece, which emphasized the importance of community and social harmony. However, the modern communitarian movement began to take shape in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, as a response to the perceived increase in individualism in Western societies.

    The term "communitarian" was coined by the British sociologist T.H. Marshall, and the philosophy was further developed by American sociologist Amitai Etzioni. Etzioni, often considered the founder of modern communitarianism, argued that the emphasis on individual rights had gone too far, leading to a society that was neglecting its communal obligations.

    Communitarianism gained significant attention in the 1990s, with the publication of books such as "The Spirit of Community" by Etzioni and "Habits of the Heart" by Robert Bellah. These works argued for a balance between individual rights and social responsibilities, and called for a renewed emphasis on community values.

    Communitarianism has influenced a number of political movements and policies around the world. For example, it has been used to argue for the importance of social capital, community development, and civic engagement. It has also been influential in debates about social policy, particularly in areas such as education, family policy, and social welfare.

    Despite its influence, communitarianism has also been criticized. Some argue that it can lead to a suppression of individual rights and freedoms, while others suggest that it can be used to justify social conservatism or authoritarianism. However, communitarians argue that their philosophy simply seeks to balance the needs of the individual and the community, rather than prioritizing one over the other.

Relevant stances

Voters that identify as Communitarianism are most likely to agree with these stances.

Similar ideologies

These ideologies are most similar to Communitarianism.

Socialist Market Economy

Achieving a fair distribution of wealth and resources through a combination of state planning and market-driven forces.

WelfareEconomic StimulusGovernment SpendingPublic TransportationStudent Diversity Training

Civic Virtue

Promoting moral and ethical behavior in individuals will lead to a more harmonious and prosperous society.

Economic StimulusPublic TransportationEmployee Diversity TrainingCorporate SubsidiesMandatory Vaccinations

Social Christianity

Promoting social justice, equality, and compassion through the teachings of Jesus Christ to create a more equitable and caring society.

Corporate SubsidiesUkrainian Defense FundingGovernment SpendingRight of Foreigners to VoteEmployee Diversity Training

Holism

Understanding and addressing the interconnectedness of all aspects of a system will lead to more effective and sustainable solutions.

Government SpendingEconomic StimulusUkrainian Defense FundingPublic TransportationStudent Diversity Training

Christian Socialism

Combining religious values with socialist principles to create a society that promotes social justice, equality, and compassion for all.

Public TransportationEmployee Diversity TrainingRent ControlUkrainian Defense FundingElectric Vehicle Mandates

Islamic Socialism

A society that combines Islamic principles with socialist policies to achieve economic equality, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment for all.

Right of Foreigners to VoteMandatory VaccinationsRent ControlPublic TransportationEconomic Stimulus

Opposing ideologies

These ideologies are least similar to Communitarianism.

Objectivist

You believe rational pursuit of your own values and productivity is the moral foundation of a free and prosperous society.

ShrinkflationVulture FundsVacant Home TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareEconomic Stimulus

No Government

You believe individuals and communities can organize themselves voluntarily without any coercive state authority.

ShrinkflationEconomic StimulusVulture FundsPublic TransportationSingle-Payer Healthcare

Libertarian

Maximizing individual freedom and minimizing government intervention to create a society where people can thrive through self-reliance and voluntary cooperation.

ShrinkflationVacant Home TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareVulture FundsSocial Media Regulation

Minimal Government

You believe government should exist only to protect individual rights through courts, police, and national defense — nothing more.

ShrinkflationEconomic StimulusSingle-Payer HealthcareVulture FundsPublic Transportation

Free-Market Capitalism

You believe voluntary exchange between free individuals, with minimal government interference, creates the most prosperity for the most people.

ShrinkflationVacant Home TaxSingle-Payer HealthcareVulture FundsPublic Transportation

Minarchism

A limited government focused on protecting individual rights and providing essential services will result in a more efficient, prosperous, and free society.

ShrinkflationEconomic StimulusVacant Home TaxVulture FundsSingle-Payer Healthcare

How similar are your political beliefs to Communitarianism issues? Take the political quiz to find out.