What is the principle of subsidiarity in Catholic Social Teaching?

Subsidiarity is one of the foundational principles of Catholic Social Teaching, first articulated by Pope Pius XI in his 1931 encyclical Quadragesimo Anno. It holds that decisions and actions should be handled by the smallest, lowest, or least centralized competent authority. Higher levels of government or organization should not take over functions that can be performed effectively by individuals, families, or local communities. As the Catechism states: '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' (CCC 1883). Subsidiarity protects human dignity by respecting the capacity of individuals and smaller communities to exercise responsibility and initiative. It stands as a bulwark against both excessive state control and unchecked individualism. Practically, it means that problems should be solved at the most local level possible — families, parishes, municipalities — before turning to larger institutions.