Original scientific paper

An Atmosphere of Trust and Orientation Toward Common Good: The Context of Subsidiary Activities in Croatian Society

Gordan Črpić ; Centre for Promotion of the Social Teaching of the Church of the Croatian Bishop's Conference, Zagreb, Croatia
Silvija Migles ; Catholic Faculty of Theology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

This article is based on four hypotheses: a) there is a low level of trust in Croatia which is unsuitable for the development of subsidiarity in society; b) even though trust in institutions and in the society in general is low, we nevertheless expect that those who show a higher level of trust also show a higher level of readiness for subsidiary action; c) we expect that they who show a lower level of trust will show a higher level of expectation that higher instances will resolve all the problems facing society, i.e. those institutions they do trust; d) we expect a positive connection of trust in institutions and determination to promote common good.
The first chapter of the paper set within an inter-disciplinary framework presents some vital theoretical notes about dialectical relations between readiness for subsidiary behaviour and an atmosphere of trust and orientation toward common good. The authors point out some vital factors that are necessary to empower subsidiarity and its concrete functioning in Croatian society.
In the second chapter the authors submit a review of analysis conducted of the connection between trust, common good and subsidiary action. The authors approach the analysis of subsidiarity or level of subsidiary action in Croatia primarily through the prism of analysing trust in various institutions in social life in Croatia and then through the prism of correlation between trust and common good. The authors point out the vital reasons why it is important with regard to subsidiarity, to take account of trust in institutions and common good. One of the basic hypothesis set for an analysis of research results is that trust in institutions and readiness to promote common good are highly correlated to the possibility of developing subsidiarity in society. That is why it is worth keeping in mind the relationship between common good and trust in institutions. In conclusion the authors confirm a positive connection between readiness to subsidiary action and trust in various institutions as well as a positive connection between trust and recognising common good in society. A general low level of trust in society generates an unfavourable climate for the development of subsidiarity. Confirmation of the positive connection of trust and readiness to subsidiary action, points out the need to promote trust in society at various levels. The authors conclude that promoting subsidiarity, starting from primary institutions such as the family is surely one of the secure paths to increasing social capital in society and then its general development potential as well.

Keywords

subsidiarity; subsidiary behaviour; trust; common good; Croatian society

Hrčak ID:

76017

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/76017

Publication date:

11.1.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

Visits: 2.003 *