Human Work and Catholic Social Teaching

Abstract

Abstract This chapter explains the central principles of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and it explores how they apply to human work. CST is based upon four key principles: the dignity of the human person, the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity. The belief in human dignity is the bedrock of CST. It inspires CST’s commitment to the ‘dignity of work’, which captures the need for humans to have sufficient opportunities to work and to be able to do so under decent conditions. The ethical significance of work arises from its performance by human persons, as opposed to machines. CST holds that all persons are equal in dignity. A contentious aspect of Church teaching is belief in the complementarity of women and men, which has had implications for understanding their relative roles in performing work. Dignity is understood to have a profound social dimension; relationships with others are central to the flourishing of the human person. The interdependence of humans underpins the other principles. The principles of solidarity and subsidiarity inform the role of the State. It should support organizations in their pursuit of the common good, such as fostering dialogue between trade unions and employers. If, however, the common good cannot be sufficiently achieved by voluntary social action, then it is appropriate for the State to intervene, such as through labour legislation.