Why did communitarianism become influential among political philosophers in the 1980s?

Communitarianism gained significant influence among political philosophers in the 1980s primarily as a critical reaction to contemporary liberalism and libertarianism.12

Philosophers such as Michael Sandel and Charles Taylor challenged the liberal emphasis on the individual as an autonomous agent existing apart from society. They argued that this view—often associated with the work of John Rawls—relied on an incoherent notion of the self, failing to recognize that individual identity is fundamentally constituted by social relations, culture, and historical context.32

Beyond theoretical critiques, the movement responded to perceived social trends. Many communitarians argued that excessive individualism had led to a decline in traditional institutions and a rise in self-centeredness, alienation, and anomie. By emphasizing the common good, these philosophers sought to provide a normative foundation for settling value conflicts, arguing that a community cannot be a neutral realm and that social well-being is essential for human identity and flourishing.31