10/05/2022
The Nuances of Communitarianism: A Deep Dive
In contemporary political and social discourse, the term 'communitarianism' often surfaces, sparking debate and diverse interpretations. At its core, communitarianism is a philosophical and political perspective that emphasizes the importance of the community and its values in shaping individual identity and social life. Unlike ideologies that prioritise the individual above all else, communitarianism posits that human beings are fundamentally social creatures, deeply influenced and defined by the communities to which they belong. This perspective often contrasts with liberal individualism, which tends to focus on individual rights and autonomy.
Etymology and Core Principles
The word 'community' itself originates from the Latin 'communis', meaning 'common' or 'shared'. This etymology hints at the fundamental idea behind communitarianism: the shared responsibilities and common good that bind individuals together. The term 'communitarianism' thus refers to the principle of confronting shared burdens and responsibilities together. At its heart, it suggests that a group of individuals sharing a common trait – be it religious, cultural, ethnic, linguistic, or ideological – forms a distinct unit, often differentiated from those outside that group.
Communitarianism vs. Communitarian: A Subtle Distinction
While often used interchangeably in casual conversation, in philosophical and political circles, a distinction is sometimes made between 'communitarianist' and 'communitarian'. In English, the term 'communitarian' can encompass both meanings, but in French, for instance, this distinction is more pronounced.
Communitarianists, in this nuanced view, tend to see individual rights primarily as collective rights tied to community membership. This perspective, frequently observed in France, highlights how individuals may claim different rights based on their community affiliation. This can include the right to resolve issues according to their own laws or to openly express their religious or cultural identity. As philosopher Charles Taylor notes, this often refers to 'communities that exist within a country, cultural communities, as they are called in Quebec'.
Communitarians, on the other hand, represent a broader philosophical current that often opposes political liberalism. They reject the 'atomism' favoured by liberals, which views individual behaviour as solely governed by laws. Instead, communitarians tend to prioritise the 'good' over the 'just'. They believe that a set of values should be provided by the community, and that individuals are naturally inclined to live within a community. This aligns with Karl Marx's sentiment that 'freedom is possible only in the community'. Key figures associated with this current include Charles Taylor, Michael Walzer, and Michael Sandel. Some communitarians even define themselves as 'liberal communitarians', suggesting a synthesis of these ideas. Even John Rawls, known for his theory of justice, eventually acknowledged that social life necessitates a shared adherence to values.
Communitarianism in Public Debate
The concept of communitarianism plays a significant role in public debate, particularly in discussions about social cohesion, identity, and the balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities. It often emerges in contexts where societies grapple with issues of multiculturalism, immigration, and the integration of diverse groups.
Different Facets of Communitarianism
It's crucial to recognise that 'communitarianism' is not a monolithic concept. It manifests in various forms, each with its own emphasis and implications:
- Cultural Communitarianism: Focuses on the preservation and promotion of specific cultural traditions, values, and practices within a community.
- Religious Communitarianism: Emphasises the role of shared religious beliefs and practices in shaping community life and identity.
- Ethnic Communitarianism: Highlights shared ethnic heritage, ancestry, and identity as the basis for community cohesion.
- National Communitarianism: Advocates for a strong sense of national identity and shared civic values as the primary form of community.
Criticism and Controversy
The term 'communitarianism' has not been without its critics. Sociologists and political theorists have raised concerns about its potential misuse and its implications for social justice and individual freedoms.
Pierre-André Taguieff, for instance, has critiqued the term for its tendentious usage, suggesting it can be employed to legitimise racist discourse. He argues that 'the "communitarian" is always the other. And the other is a composite pathological figure that, when the subject of intellectualised passions, is constructed by declared anti-communautaristes with the attributes of intolerance, self-enclosure, ethnocentrism, even xenophobia'.
Sociologist Fabrice Dhume posits that the use of the word reveals a subtle form of nationalism, implying that the only valid community is the national one, and that other communities pose a threat to the hegemony of the majority group. Taguieff further elaborates that '"communitarianism" is primarily a word that, in French political discourse for the past fifteen years or so, ordinarily functions as an operator of illegitimation'. He defines communitarianism 'as a socio-political project aiming to subject the members of a group defined to the supposed norms proper to that group, to that community, in short to control the opinions, beliefs, behaviours of those who belong in principle to that community'. He contends that 'The term "communitarianism" is used, especially in French (since the 1980s), to designate with critical intent any form of ethnocentrism or sociocentrism, any group self-centredness, implying self-valorisation and a tendency towards self-enclosure, in a so-called "postmodern" cultural context where "openness", and more particularly "openness to the other", is highly valued'.
Sociologist Sylvie Tissot observes a paradox: the term is consistently applied to ethnic or religious minorities but never to the bourgeois, white, and male elite that largely structures economic and political decision-making. She highlights that 'the "community" is adorned with all virtues when it is national, and it calls for an allegiance, a love, an imperious and exclusive devotion (a "good communitarianism"). It becomes suspect as soon as it is regional, social, sexual, religious, or more precisely as soon as, under these different modalities, it is a minority'.
For many LGBT activists, it is considered inappropriate to reproach discriminated minorities for their 'communitarianism', as they are precisely excluded by the majority group. Yohann Roszéwitch, former president of SOS homophobie, stated, 'Accusations of communitarianism are frequent from opponents of equal rights. I do not use the term communitarianism.'
A 2013 study by the French National Institute for Demographic Studies ('Trajectoires et Origines') revealed that the religious endogamy (marrying within one's religious group) of Muslims is similar to that of Christians (around 80%) and slightly higher than that of atheists or Jews. The study also noted that Muslims are more likely to choose friends outside their religious community, unlike atheists, who tend to associate more with other non-religious individuals. Researchers Marwan Mohammed and Julien Talpin, in their 2018 book 'Communitarianism?', argue that 'the most socially or religiously homogeneous spaces are the most affluent neighbourhoods'. Political scientist Jérôme Fourquet analyses the 'secession' of 'privileged classes' in a report published in 2018, titled '1985-2017: When the Privileged Classes Seceded'.
Communitarianism vs. Citizenship
A key point of contention surrounding communitarianism is its perceived conflict with the concept of citizenship, particularly in the context of republicanism. Georges Sarre, in a statement from May 6, 2003, articulated this contrast starkly:
"Communitarianism reduces the individual to their ethnic or religious identity. It is the opposite of republican citizenship. Citizenship opens up to the universal, communitarianism encloses. Citizenship integrates and unites in a collective project. Communitarianism divides, opposes, fuels conflicts, leads to racism and exclusion. The Republic is the common destiny of all those who have chosen France, whatever their origin or religion."
This perspective highlights a fundamental tension: while citizenship, in the republican sense, aims to foster a universal identity and shared civic values that transcend particular affiliations, communitarianism, by emphasising group identity and distinct rights, can be seen as potentially fragmenting society and undermining a common national identity.
Data and Performance Guidelines
When utilising data related to societal trends and comparisons, it's important to be aware of the performance guidelines that may be in place. For instance, a data tool might impose limits on the number of countries or indicators that can be compared simultaneously, as well as the time frame for historical data. These rules are designed to ensure optimal performance and a positive user experience. Typically, comparisons might be limited to around 12 countries for all data points over a long period, or fewer data points for larger country selections. When analysing data for a single year, bar graphs are often used, while curve graphs are employed for time periods. General information data, lacking a historical dimension, may not allow for year or period selection.
Conclusion
Communitarianism, with its emphasis on the social nature of individuals and the importance of shared values and responsibilities, offers a compelling counterpoint to purely individualistic perspectives. However, its interpretation and application are complex and often contested. Understanding the nuances of communitarian thought, its various manifestations, and the criticisms it faces is essential for engaging in informed discussions about identity, community, and the future of our societies. The ongoing debate highlights the perennial challenge of balancing individual freedoms with the collective good and fostering social cohesion in an increasingly diverse world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between communitarianism and liberalism?
Liberalism typically prioritises individual rights, autonomy, and freedom from collective constraints. Communitarianism, conversely, emphasises the importance of the community, shared values, and social bonds in shaping individual identity and well-being. It often views the individual as fundamentally embedded within a community context.
Can communitarianism lead to exclusion?
Critics argue that an excessive focus on group identity and distinct rights within communitarianism can, in some instances, lead to the exclusion of those outside the group or create divisions within society. This is particularly a concern when it fosters an 'us vs. them' mentality.
Is communitarianism compatible with multiculturalism?
The relationship between communitarianism and multiculturalism is complex. Some forms of communitarianism can support multiculturalism by advocating for the recognition and preservation of diverse cultural practices. However, other interpretations, particularly those prioritising a dominant national identity, may view multiculturalism with suspicion.
What is the role of the individual in communitarianism?
In communitarianism, the individual is seen as a social being whose identity and values are significantly shaped by their community. While individual rights are not necessarily disregarded, they are often understood and exercised within the context of community obligations and the common good.
How does communitarianism differ from citizenship?
As highlighted earlier, communitarianism can be seen as potentially conflicting with the concept of republican citizenship, which aims for a universal, shared civic identity. Communitarianism's focus on specific group affiliations and distinct rights can be perceived as fragmenting the universal civic identity that citizenship ideally promotes.
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