Communitarianism

Communitarianism designates a political theory that reminds us that persons live within a complex web of groups and associations by which they define themselves in relation to others and take up responsibilities that form the bonds uniting them in common efforts. The modern world is dominated by the great institutions of the state and the market. Communitarians emphasize, first, that these institutions need to be recognized as great forces limiting and shaping peoples’ lives and, second, that in addition to these two great centers of power, there are numerous other communities and associations that people form so as to carve out together meaningful and effective lives. Indeed, through these associations members can gain the power to influence the state and the market. Communitarianism is, importantly, ...