regarddignity

Regarddignity is a normative principle that emphasizes the continuous recognition and safeguarding of human dignity in attitudes, policies, and practices. Proponents describe it as a combined duty of respect (regard) and protection (dignity) that guides interactions between individuals as well as between individuals and institutions.

The term regarddignity is relatively recent in ethics and social policy discourse, drawing on Kantian respect for persons and contemporary human rights frameworks. Regarddignity seeks to move beyond mere non-degradation by requiring proactive acknowledgment of each person’s inherent worth and the avoidance of acts that erode dignity.

In law and public policy, regarddignity informs anti-discrimination and dignity-based rights analyses. In healthcare and social services, it underpins patient-centered care, consent processes, and the design of inclusive services. In business and education, it guides codes of conduct, accessibility efforts, and respectful communication training.

Critics argue that the term can be vague and difficult to translate into concrete metrics. Opponents worry it may clash with efficiency, security, or cost considerations without clear implementation standards.

Some writers use regarddignity interchangeably with regard for dignity or regard-dignity as a broader concept. Further work includes developing normative standards, indicators, and case studies to operationalize the concept.