Economic Justice

Economic justice is the fulcrum around which all social justice debates in contemporary society revolve. In our political discourse, every question of human flourishing seems to be reduced to bottom-line thinking. This focus on riches impoverishes our shared discourse and has serious negative consequences for society, as evidenced in the rise of populist political movements which source their discontent in the economic stagnation that affects many sectors of society.

In such a setting, there is a great need for alternative approaches to economic justice and distinctive visions for how prosperity can encourage human flourishing for all, not just those at the top. This has been one of the major challenges that Pope Francis has levied at the faithful throughout his papacy, most notably in Evangelii Gaudium.

Francis is clear that our personal wealth implicates us: “The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase; and in the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.”

The Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice strives to provoke a conversation with all people of goodwill that recognises the collective impoverishment of our current economic framework.

Author: Kevin Hargaden