Rendszerérdekeltség

Rendszerérdekeltség, or *system interest*, is a sociological and political concept that describes the tendency of individuals or groups to prioritize the stability and continuity of a social, political, or economic system over their own immediate interests or potential benefits from change. The term is particularly relevant in discussions about social order, governance, and the dynamics of power within societies.

The concept emerged prominently in the works of sociologists and political theorists, including Émile Durkheim, who emphasized the importance of social cohesion and collective values in maintaining societal stability. Rendszerérdekeltség suggests that even those who may not directly benefit from a system—such as marginalized groups or dissenters—may still uphold it due to a sense of belonging, habit, or fear of instability. This phenomenon can reinforce existing hierarchies and resist reforms that challenge the status quo.

In political science, the idea is often linked to the stability of authoritarian or oligarchic systems, where elites and even some segments of the population may support structures that limit their freedoms in exchange for security or material benefits. Critics argue that this can lead to complacency, where individuals accept systemic injustices as inevitable, thereby perpetuating inequality or oppression.

Rendszerérdekeltség is not inherently negative but highlights the complexities of human behavior within structured environments. It underscores the need for critical reflection on how individuals and groups relate to the systems they inhabit, whether they actively participate in maintaining them or seek to transform them. Understanding this concept helps analyze why change is often resisted, even when alternatives might be more equitable or efficient.