Question on Subsidiarity and Collectivism

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Eufrosnia

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Hi everyone,

I had a question regarding the issues mentioned in the subject.

I came across the following in the Catechism:
1883 Socialization also presents dangers. Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative. The teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co- ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.”
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1885 The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism. It sets limits for state intervention. It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies. It tends toward the establishment of true international order.
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My questions are as follows
  1. Is the family unit the smallest lower order community?
  2. Is collectivism within the family wrong?
Just to add a bit of background to (2), I always thought it was right to keep property in common within the family. For an example, having property as being owned by both husband and wife. Everyone sharing their earnings for the well being of the family etc.

Is this considered collectivism and is it condemned under 1885?
 
For practical purposes, the family or immediate contacts can be considred the lowest level of community.

Collectivism in the family is not wrong. It is a form of working together for the welfare of the group. I think of this experience as working within a larger body and prepares younger people for an awareness of the larger Body of Christ.

The warning provided in the CCC is to not allow this concept to drift up to the higher community in an excessive manner. An example of what to avoid is all areas of socialism.
 
Samuel63 said:
For practical purposes, the family or immediate contacts can be considred the lowest level of community.

Collectivism in the family is not wrong. It is a form of working together for the welfare of the group. I think of this experience as working within a larger body and prepares younger people for an awareness of the larger Body of Christ.

The warning provided in the CCC is to not allow this concept to drift up to the higher community in an excessive manner. An example of what to avoid is all areas of socialism.
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Thank you for your reply. That makes sense.
 
Also when man & woman marry they become one. Their children are an outward sign of this unity. So they are by God’s design in a sense one. It is natural that they combine resources.
 
Regina_Love said:
Also when man & woman marry they become one. Their children are an outward sign of this unity. So they are by God’s design in a sense one. It is natural that they combine resources.
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Oh good point! Thank you for your reply!
 
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