responsibilization — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Transfer of responsibility from higher authorities to communities or individuals who are then called on to take an active role in resolving their own problems.

   Usage

   • Uncountable
   • usually

   Related words

   responsibilize

   Examples

   More examples (2)

   Responsibilization strategies involve a series of new techniques and methods "whereby the state seeks to bring about action on the part of private agencies and individuals - either by stimulating new forms of behaviour or by stopping established habits" (emphasis in the original).

   While responsibilization has become closely associated with neo-liberalism, with its inducement that individuals become entrepreneurs, it should be noted that responsibilization played a significant role in other historical periods.

   Responsibilization is not an inherent entailment of devolution; there are decidedly more empowering and more democratic potentials for devolved decision making.