| The principle of subsidiarity is not well understood, especially by North Americans. Subsidiarity is often defined in the following manner: 'higher levels should only do what lower levels cannot do for themselves'. This thesis attempts to examine, in a comprehensive way, the political nature of subsidiarity. At the heart of subsidiarity is a political question: 'who is to decide who does what?'. Much of the current literature on subsidiarity tends to be brief and fragmented. Subsidiarity is often noted in the writings of many political theorists, such as Aquinas, Althusius and Proudhon. But very little work has been done in providing a theoretical overview of subsidiarity which links the above theorists (and others) with contemporary understandings of the term.; The first major aim of this thesis is to clarify the subsidiarity concept. Three intellectual strands of thought concerning subsidiarity are examined, including a social Catholic strand, a Protestant strand and a Proudhonian strand. The intellectual history of subsidiarity, as well as contemporary uses of the principle, reveal that there are four main 'faces' to this concept. The 'solidarist' face of subsidiarity is characterized by the values of solidarity and diversity. The 'voluntarist' face is about grass-roots consent. The 'decentralist' face concerns decentralization. Finally, the 'civil society-centred' face is defined by privatization.; The second major concern of this thesis is the relevance of subsidiarity. Given that the concept is being used in a multi-faceted way, can it be helpful? The focus is on the European Union and Canada and the concept of 'rebalancing'. States are restructuring as globalization and regionalism are making it more difficult to create social and regional solidarity and accountability. Subsidiarity has been used, in both the EU and Canada, in ways which are intended to help polities deal with the above items. This thesis examines the strengths and weaknesses of subsidiarity. It argues that the 'solidarist' face of subsidiarity may be helpful for Europeans and Canadians. A 'solidarist' Canada is considered. In conclusion, it is noted that subsidiarity, a pre-modern concept, may have something to offer in a post-modern age. |
