societal responsibility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'societal responsibility' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to a responsibility of a society or community as a whole, such as its duty to protect the environment or to ensure justice and equity for its citizens. For example: "The government must adhere to its societal responsibility to ensure that people in need have access to health care."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

An L.L.C. can invest in for-profit companies (perhaps these will be characterized as societally responsible companies, but lots of companies claim the mantle of societal responsibility).

The New York Times

"It is a societal responsibility but more than anything else, leaders are there to protect citizens.

The Guardian

We have a societal responsibility to protect our children and young people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Silicon Valley firms may be ill-prepared to manage such a large societal responsibility, they added.

The Washington Post

Implementation challenges, application trade-offs and opportunities with respect to an enhanced shift toward societal responsibility in research processes are discussed.

Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability

Isn't it time we recognized our societal responsibility to provide them with access to the tools they need to protect themselves?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Don't you see yourself as having any societal responsibilities?

The Guardian - Sport

The rich wanted all of the societal benefits and none of the societal responsibilities.

The New York Times

A new, worrisome survey raises doubts about physicians' willingness to meet their medical and societal responsibilities.

The New York Times

Environmental stewardship must become a primary concern if management is to adequately fulfil its societal responsibilities.

Accounting Forum

A university is composed of educational professionals aware of their societal responsibilities, and, therefore, they play a fundamental role in the management of the university's solid waste.

Resources, Conservation and Recycling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "societal responsibility", be specific about who bears the responsibility (e.g., government, corporations, individuals) and for what (e.g., environmental protection, public health, education).

Common error

Avoid using "societal responsibility" without clearly defining the scope and actors involved. Otherwise, it can become an abstract concept with little practical application.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "societal responsibility" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It represents a concept or idea, referring to the obligations and duties a society or its members have towards each other and the collective good. As shown in Ludwig, examples, it is used to highlight duties of specific actors in society.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

27%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "societal responsibility" is a noun phrase that represents the ethical obligations of individuals, groups, and institutions to contribute positively to the well-being of society. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Analysis of various sources indicates that the phrase is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While its register is generally neutral, it leans towards formal, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and collective welfare. When using the term, it's important to be specific about who bears the responsibility and what it entails to avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "community obligation" or "civic duty" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Social obligation

Similar to "societal responsibility" but may imply a more personal or moral dimension.

Collective responsibility

Highlights that responsibility is shared among a group of people.

Community obligation

Focuses on the duties and responsibilities within a local community.

Civic duty

Emphasizes the responsibilities of a citizen to their country or community.

Social accountability

Similar to public accountability but applies to various settings.

Ethical duty to society

Highlights moral considerations of the phrase.

Public accountability

Emphasizes the need for transparency and responsibility in public actions.

Corporate social responsibility

Refers specifically to the responsibilities of corporations to society.

Moral imperative

Highlights the ethical necessity for societal responsibility.

Shared burden

Focuses on the collective effort required to address societal challenges.

FAQs

How can I define "societal responsibility" in my writing?

"Societal responsibility" refers to the ethical obligations of individuals, groups, and institutions to contribute positively to the well-being of society. This can involve environmental stewardship, promoting justice, or supporting community welfare.

What are some examples of "societal responsibility" in action?

Examples include corporations adopting sustainable practices, governments implementing social safety nets, and individuals volunteering in their communities. These actions demonstrate a commitment to shared well-being.

Who typically bears "societal responsibility"?

The burden of "societal responsibility" is shared by individuals, organizations, and governments. Each has a role to play in fostering a healthy and equitable society.

What's the difference between "societal responsibility" and "civic duty"?

"Societal responsibility" is a broader concept encompassing ethical obligations to the community. "Civic duty" is a subset, referring specifically to the responsibilities of a citizen to their government and country.