History of Distributism ~ Global Distributists: 3) Early Distributist Movements ~ 3.4 Catholic Worker Movement

The eleventh instalment of the series of articles from Global Distributists on the origins of Distributism and how it's been adapted and implemented around the world.

The Catholic Worker Movement is a social movement founded in the United States in 1933 by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin. It is rooted in the principles of distributism, which emphasize a decentralized, cooperative economic system, and the Catholic social teachings on the dignity of the human person, the preferential option for the poor, and the common good.

Dorothy Day, a journalist and social activist, was deeply influenced by the social encyclicals of Pope Leo XIII, especially Rerum Novarum (1891), and Pope Pius XI, particularly Quadragesimo Anno (1931). These encyclicals addressed the challenges of the modern industrial society, including the gap between the rich and the poor, and the concentration of economic power in the hands of a few. Distributism, as a response to these issues, was a key inspiration for the Catholic Worker Movement.

The movement began with the publication of "The Catholic Worker" newspaper, which was aimed at promoting Catholic social teaching and advocating for social justice, workers’ rights, and a fair distribution of wealth. The newspaper also highlighted distributist ideas, such as the importance of small, locally-owned businesses, cooperatives, and family farms as alternatives to the dominant capitalist and socialist systems.

In addition to the newspaper, the movement established Catholic Worker Houses of Hospitality, which provided food, shelter, and support for the poor and marginalized. These houses were founded on the principle of voluntary poverty and the idea that Christians should share their resources with those in need. They also promoted a simple, communal lifestyle, reflecting the distributist values of self-sufficiency and human dignity.

Over the years, the Catholic Worker Movement has expanded its focus to include issues such as peace, nonviolence, and environmental stewardship. However, distributism remains a core principle of the movement, and many Catholic Worker communities continue to advocate for a more decentralized, cooperative economic system as a means to address social and economic inequality.

In summary, the Catholic Worker Movement has its roots in the principles of distributism and Catholic social teaching. Since its founding in 1933, the movement has sought to promote social justice, economic equity, and a more human-centered economic system through its newspaper, Houses of Hospitality, and various other initiatives. Today, the movement continues to emphasize distributist values as a key solution to the challenges of modern society.