Themes of Catholic Social Teaching (Poverty and Hunger)

1. Poverty and Hunger

1.1. Article 39-Catholic Social Teaching pp.194-201

1.1.1. People are not poor and hungry because God made a mistake

1.1.1.1. There is more than enough food grown everyday for everyone to have (3600 calories)

1.1.2. Why are people poor and hungry

1.1.2.1. Because of human sin that is supported by sinful social structures

1.1.2.2. Widespread poverty and hunger are not inevitable

1.1.3. What are these sinful social structures?

1.1.3.1. The legacy of colonialism (pp. 195-196)

1.1.3.1.1. Elites governing a country at the expense of the people

1.1.3.1.2. Governing like a "den of robbers"

1.1.3.2. A lack of infrastructure (pp.197-198)

1.1.3.2.1. What is infrastructure?

1.1.3.3. Greed and the gap between the rich and the poor

1.1.3.3.1. Wealthy people have the resources and influence to maintain their wealth

1.1.3.4. What can we do to counter these structures?

1.1.3.4.1. For example: public education and clean water

1.1.3.4.2. Democratic participation

1.1.3.4.3. Development for the poor and hungry

1.1.3.4.4. Giving people a just wage