Considerations for Remuneration in Papal Social Encyclicals

Abstract

Papal encyclicals have been a source of study for various philosophers, theologians, and more recently, business ethicists. Several social encyclicals have contributed to the corpus of Catholic social teaching. Drawing from Rerum Novarum, Quadragesimo Anno, Mater et Magistra, Pacem in Terris, Populorum Progressio, Redemptor Hominis, Loborem Exercens, Centesimus Annus, Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, Veritatis Splendor, Deus Caritas Est, Evangelium Vitae, Caritas in Veritate, and Laudato Si, the issue of “fair and just” remuneration is discussed. We also draw from Gaudium et Spes and the Compendium of the Social Teachings of the Church. Despite having a religious basis, these social encyclicals also have important ramifications for secular scholars because they appeal to stakeholders’ mutual duties and responsibilities in facilitating a socially just workplace. These teachings, rooted in natural law, focus on the harmony between labor and capital to bring about prosperity for nations and their citizens.

Paolo Fragomeni and Christopher Chan, "Considerations for Remuneration in Papal Social Encyclicals," Journal of Markets & Morality 26, no. 2 (2023): 211-229