Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 447.

YOUCAT Question n. 447 - Is globalization exclusively a matter of politics and economics?

(Youcat answer) There used to be the idea of a division of labor: economics should be concerned about increasing wealth, and politics should be concerned about distributing it justly. In the age of globalization, however, profits are obtained globally, while politics to a great extent is still limited within national boundaries. Therefore, what is needed today is not just the strengthening of transnational political institutions, but also the initiatives of individuals and social groups that are active economically in the poorer regions of the world, not primarily for the sake of profit,but rather out of a spirit of solidarity and love. The market and the State are necessary, but so is a strong civil society.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2440) Direct aid is an appropriate response to immediate, extraordinary needs caused by natural catastrophes, epidemics, and the like. But it does not suffice to repair the grave damage resulting from destitution or to provide a lasting solution to a country's needs. It is also necessary to reform international economic and financial institutions so that they will better promote equitable relationships with less advanced countries (Cf. SRS 16). The efforts of poor countries working for growth and liberation must be supported (Cf. CA 26). This doctrine must be applied especially in the area of agricultural labor. Peasants, especially in the Third World, form the overwhelming majority of the poor.   

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) In a market, products and services are exchanged for goods having the same value. In many regions of this world, however, the people are so poor that they cannot offer anything in exchange and therefore continue to be left behind. So there is a need for economic initiatives that are defined, not by the “logic of exchange”, but rather by the “logic of the unconditional gift” (Pope Benedict XVI, CIV). This means, not merely giving alms to the poor, but rather helping them to help themselves by opening up paths to economic freedom. There are Christian initiatives, for instance the “Economy of Communion” project of the Focolare Movement, which today involves more than 750 businesses worldwide. There are also non-Christian social entrepreneurs who, though profit-oriented, nevertheless work in the spirit of a “culture of giving” with the goal of alleviating poverty and marginalization.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2439) Rich nations have a grave moral responsibility toward those which are unable to ensure the means of their development by themselves or have been prevented from doing so by tragic historical events. It is a duty in solidarity and charity; it is also an obligation in justice if the prosperity of the rich nations has come from resources that have not been paid for fairly. 

(The next question is: Are poverty and underdevelopment an inescapable fate?)