Catechism in a Year Day 268 - What is meant by the principle labor before capital? // What does the Church say about globalization? What is meant by the principle labor before capital? The Church has always taught the principle of the priority of labor over capital (Pope John Paul II, LE). Man owns money or capital as a thing. Labor, in contrast, is inseparable from the person who performs it. That is why the basic needs of laborers have priority over the interests of capital. The owners of capital and investors have legitimate interests, too, which must be protected. It is a serious injustice, however, when entrepreneurs and investors try to increase their own profits at the expense of the basic rights of their laborers and employees. What does the Church say about globalization? Globalization is in itself neither good nor bad; it is, rather, the description of a reality that must be shaped. Originating within economically developed countries, this process by its nature has spread to include all economies. It has been the principal driving force behind the emergence from underdevelopment of whole regions, and in itself it represents a great opportunity. Nevertheless, without the guidance of charity in truth, this global force could cause unprecedented damage and create new divisions within the human family (Pope Benedict XVI, CiV). When we buy inexpensive jeans, we should not be indifferent to the conditions in which they were manufactured, to the question of whether or not the workers received a just wage. Everyones fortune matters. No ones poverty should leave us indifferent. On the political level, there is a need for a true world political authority (Pope Benedict XVI, CiV [citing Bl. John XXIII, Encyclical Pacem in terris]) to help reach a compromise between the people in the rich nations and those in underdeveloped countries. Far too often the latter are still excluded from the advantages of economic globalization and have only burdens to bear. (YOUCAT questions 445-446)
Posted on: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:51:35 +0000
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