Principle 6 Society

How do we share responsibility for the societies we live in?

Right — To belong, participate and live within societies that recognise and protect human dignity.

Responsibility — To contribute, within our capacity and influence, to societies in which rights, responsibilities, power and participation can be held with dignity.

In practice: Shared life depends on both people's contributions and institutions that can carry their duties competently. Responsibilities differ with role, power, knowledge and capacity. Participation includes care, work, discussion and questioning decisions, as well as formal political processes. Societies need ways to reflect, correct harmful practices and preserve what serves people well. The Human Constitution offers this lens without prescribing one political or economic system.

For example, a community meeting offers meaningful participation when people know what they can influence and receive an explanation of the eventual decision.

A question to sit with (optional): Who can influence this shared condition, and how can those affected question the decision?