constructive duties

[kənˈstrʌktɪv ˈdjuːtiz]
noun phrase
deveres construtivos
1. Positive obligations or responsibilities that require active participation, engagement, or contribution toward a goal, relationship, or community, as opposed to merely refraining from harmful actions
Parents have constructive duties to provide education and emotional support to their children.
Os pais têm deveres construtivos de fornecer educação e apoio emocional aos seus filhos.
2. In legal and ethical contexts, obligations that demand affirmative action or contribution rather than passive non-interference
Citizens have constructive duties to participate in the democratic process.
Os cidadãos têm deveres construtivos de participar no processo democrático.
3. In international law and human rights, positive state obligations to ensure protection and provision of services
States have constructive duties to ensure access to clean water and healthcare.
Os Estados têm deveres construtivos de garantir acesso a água potável e cuidados de saúde.
The concept of constructive duties is increasingly emphasized in Brazilian human rights law and social policy, particularly in discussions about corporate social responsibility and state obligations. In the United States, constructive duties are central to debates about social welfare, civic participation, and affirmative action. The term reflects a shift from viewing citizenship and relationships as merely about avoiding harm to actively contributing to collective wellbeing.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
affirmative dutiespositive obligationsactive responsibilitiesenabling duties
Antonyms / Antônimos
negative dutiespassive obligationsprohibitive dutiesduties of abstention

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
deveres construtivos
Standard translation used in legal and academic contexts
Portugal
deveres construtivos
Same translation; used in European legal frameworks and human rights discourse
General English-speaking contexts
deveres de ação positiva
Alternative translation emphasizing active contribution

Related Words

duty of careaffirmative actionsocial responsibilitycivic engagementpositive rightsobligation

Related Idioms & Phrases

go the extra mile
pull one's weight
contribute to the greater good
step up to the plate
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