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Socialization |
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In Catholic social thought, human beings by nature tend to associate with one another, especially in families and political society. Human potential can only come to full fruition in such associations, and some essential human activities can only be carried out in common. Therefore, socialization is not, as in some modern social theories, an artificial imposition on an autonomous individual or a tradeoff of freedom for the sake of social benefits. Socialization in the Catholic sense goes to the heart of what it means to develop fully as a human person. Individuals and subsidiary institutions, such as families and local associations, have both a right and a duty to exercise their proper functions. For most people, it is in family life and small groups that they learn responsibility and cooperation. Catholic thought sees an articulated series of institutions between the individual and the national state, which prevent excessive centralization of power (as occurred in Fascist and communist states) and provide opportunities for freedom and responsibility (sometimes stifled in democratic welfare states). The Catechism of the Catholic Church (1883) warns that personal freedom and initiative should not be usurped by excessive state intervention. But the state has its own role in promoting solidarity among all the individuals and institutions and by coordinating action that can only be carried out at a national level. Proper socialization thus requires a balance of subsidiarity and solidarity. Together, these promote both the good of individuals and associations, and the common good of society.
See: Common Good; Family; Human Person; Social Doctrine; Subsidiarity.
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