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.
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