Raymond Klassen – Ideals and Identities

When I consider my current state of individual freedom, I am overwhelmed by how good it is. I have the means to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine of a late fall morning, paid for by money I earned from a meaningful job, and sit down and write this article. I drove my newer model car to the restaurant and walked through the parking lot with a bit of a bounce in my step. But, borrowing the term “social imaginary” from Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age (free download), I also experience this freedom within a way of imagining my life.  I don’t merely enjoy this moment in isolation, i.e. as strictly individually. Instead, I deeply understand and imagine the forces that enabled this moment of individualized freedom. It would be dishonest of me to discount all of the unearned blessings I have received that buttress this moment of individual bliss.

This is the weekend before the 2024 US presidential election, and the authoritarian specter of a second Donald Trump presidency looms large. A lot of people think that democracy itself is at stake; after all, Trump threatens to destroy democratic norms. A lot of others think that American democracy, by the possible election of Trump, will be restored; after all, the corporate oligarchic influences on American life have had increasingly destructive consequences under Democratic governance. What is not addressed by either side is that there has been a constant attack on the non-democratic institutions that buttress the practice of democracy itself. From the practice of voting to the content of informed consent, the structures that have provided the security and stability that are necessary for democratic practice have undergone constant erosion. Such a narrative is relatively undisputed. However, going one step further, what should be noticed is that individual freedom is jeopardized by the paths both sides are taking. That is because what is meant by individual freedom is hotly contested and not just a brute fact. It must be nurtured and grown. This is how I experience my moment of bliss over bacon and eggs. This emerging freedom is a profoundly different social imaginary than the one on offer by liberal democracy.

Liberal democracies are built on a foundation of individual rights, freedoms, and the rule of law, striving to ensure justice and equality for all. These values, though integral, often require the support of institutions and values that don’t completely align with liberal ideals. Among these “illiberal” supports are the family, religious institutions, and close-knit communities. Each of these plays a unique role in stabilizing and sustaining democratic societies, even as they operate according to values and structures that sometimes resist purely liberal principles.

This paradox reveals an essential tension within liberal democracies: while emphasizing individual autonomy, they rely on institutions that sometimes prioritize collective obligations, loyalty, and hierarchy. In this article, we’ll explore how liberal democracies are upheld by the family, community, and religious institutions, how each contributes to the democratic fabric, and what this complex relationship means for the future of democracy.

The Family: A Foundation Built on Illiberal Structures

The family is often considered the most immediate example of an “illiberal” support for liberal democracies. While democratic societies promote equality, freedom, and autonomy, the family operates in a manner that often emphasizes duty, hierarchy, and loyalty.

1. Hierarchical Authority: Within the family, authority is generally held by parents or guardians, who make decisions on behalf of children. This structure contrasts with the democratic ideal of equal voice and self-governance, yet it provides essential stability and guidance for the youngest members of society. Children learn values, behavior, and social responsibility within this structure, despite the lack of democratic decision-making.
2. Loyalty and Collective Goals: Family members often operate based on loyalty and collective welfare rather than individual preference. Parents may make sacrifices to provide for their children, while children are raised with an understanding of duty to family. This dynamic, while not perfectly aligned with liberal ideals, is essential in developing citizens who understand the importance of sacrifice and cooperation—values that support democratic participation and civic responsibility.
3. Socialization of Democratic Values: Families instill values like respect, responsibility, and empathy that are vital for a functioning democracy. While family structures may not mirror democratic ideals directly, they nurture qualities such as cooperation, conflict resolution, and a sense of belonging. These virtues form the bedrock of democratic citizenship, ensuring that individuals enter society prepared to respect others’ rights and uphold the rule of law.

In providing emotional and financial stability, families allow individuals to engage more fully in democratic life, grounded in the support of a familiar institution. During crises, family bonds often serve as a crucial safety net, reducing reliance on the state and fostering resilience, which indirectly bolsters the overall stability of liberal democracies.

Community: The Bridge Between Individual and Collective Responsibility

In liberal democracies, communities function as intermediary structures that foster social cohesion, connection, and mutual support. Like families, communities often emphasize loyalty and collective interests that do not always align perfectly with individual autonomy. However, communities play a crucial role in encouraging civic participation and reinforcing democratic values.

1. Shared Identity and Belonging: Communities foster a sense of identity and belonging, encouraging individuals to think beyond personal interests and recognize their role in a larger collective. This dynamic, while illiberal in its emphasis on group loyalty, is essential in a democracy where social trust and cooperation enable collective decision-making.
2. Mutual Aid and Support: Strong communities are built on networks of mutual aid and shared resources. Neighbors helping each other, sharing resources, and collectively addressing local issues promote a cooperative mindset that supports democratic engagement. When individuals are engaged in supporting each other at the local level, they are more likely to participate in civic life, from voting to volunteering.
3. Civic Responsibility and Socialization: Communities often serve as hubs for socialization, where individuals learn civic virtues and responsibilities. Local organizations, from sports leagues to neighborhood associations, teach individuals how to collaborate, resolve conflicts, and contribute to a common good—values essential for a democratic society. In this sense, communities act as training grounds for democratic engagement, even as they operate according to collective, rather than purely individualistic, ideals.

Through these shared experiences, communities create a foundation of trust and social capital. This shared commitment reinforces democratic norms, reminding individuals that their well-being is connected to the welfare of others. Thus, communities, though often relying on illiberal principles like loyalty and collective identity, are invaluable for sustaining the civic fabric of liberal democracies.

Religion: An Illiberal Yet Indispensable Force

Religion, with its deep-rooted values, hierarchical structures, and community-building influence, is another illiberal force that supports liberal democracies. Religious institutions often promote values that do not always align with individual autonomy and secular ideals, yet they provide a moral and ethical foundation that supports the democratic ethos.

1. Moral Framework and Ethical Guidance: Many religions provide a framework for moral behavior that aligns with democratic values such as justice, compassion, and integrity. This framework offers individuals a sense of purpose and ethical responsibility that transcends individual gain. By fostering moral accountability, religious communities indirectly reinforce democratic norms like fairness and respect for others’ rights.
2. Community and Social Cohesion: Religious institutions create a strong sense of community, where individuals experience solidarity and mutual support. Through shared rituals, traditions, and values, religions foster social cohesion, which is vital for democracy. The bonds formed within religious communities encourage civic-mindedness, volunteerism, and service to others. This communal orientation supports a democratic society, even though religious adherence often requires submission to beliefs or practices that may limit individual freedom.
3. Charitable Work and Social Welfare: Religious organizations frequently provide charity and social services that benefit the broader society. By caring for the less fortunate and advocating for social justice, religious communities often address social inequalities and support marginalized groups. These charitable acts foster a sense of social responsibility and solidarity that strengthens the fabric of liberal democracy, ensuring that all members of society feel valued and supported.

While religious doctrines may not always align with secular democratic principles, the ethical and social frameworks they provide are vital for nurturing citizens who value justice, compassion, and civic duty. Religion, in this sense, acts as a stabilizing force for liberal democracies, providing moral guidance and a strong sense of community even if it does not fully embrace liberal values.

Toward Resolving the Seeming Paradox of Illiberal Supports in a Liberal Society

The reliance of liberal democracies on illiberal institutions like the family, community, and religion reveals a paradox. While these institutions do not operate entirely according to democratic principles, they contribute to the social stability, moral foundation, and sense of responsibility necessary for democratic societies to function. This paradox raises questions about the balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities in a democracy.

For example, while families, communities, and religious institutions may impose traditions or limit certain freedoms, they also provide essential supports that cultivate responsible citizens. Without these illiberal supports, liberal democracies might struggle to foster the sense of duty, empathy, and civic-mindedness required for democratic life. Dismantling these institutions or attempting to reshape them to fit purely liberal ideals could inadvertently weaken the very foundations upon which democratic societies depend.

This is where a different social imaginary can help. Instead of assuming autonomy from the get-go, could we not understand that the best models of individual freedom incorporate the idea that the individual has emerged out of the illiberal backdrops of family, community, and religion? These illiberal forces have constituted the individual much more than the political organization of liberal democracy. After all, many individually free people have come out of contexts where democracy is not practiced, and where autonomy hasn’t been assumed from the get-go. Freedom is, in this social imaginary, something that has been nourished. It has been nurtured, like a flower, in the garden whose nutrients are family, religion, and community.

Potential Tensions and Balances

While these illiberal institutions play crucial roles in sustaining liberal democracies, tensions can arise when their values conflict with democratic ideals. For example:

• Gender Equality: Traditional family and religious structures may reinforce gender roles that clash with democratic values of gender equality. In such cases, the state may intervene, as seen in policies that promote gender equity and protect against discrimination.
• Religious Freedom and Secular Law: Religious institutions sometimes advocate for practices or beliefs that conflict with secular laws or individual rights. Democratic societies often strive to balance religious freedom with the protection of individual liberties, ensuring that religious communities can thrive without infringing on others’ rights.
• Community Loyalty vs. Civic Responsibility: Loyalty to community or family can sometimes override broader civic responsibilities, leading to issues like favoritism or exclusion. In such instances, democratic institutions must promote inclusivity and fairness while respecting community bonds.

These tensions are the ones an ’emergently’ free person must continually navigate.