Catholic Social Teaching: Rights, Responsibilities, and Subsidiarity

Introduction to Social Responsibility and Subsidiarity

• Government's Role: Governmental organizations (e.g., FEMA) intervene to alleviate suffering when individual and local capacities are insufficient.

• Subsidiarity: This moral principle asserts that large organizations and governments should not assume responsibilities manageable by individuals and local groups. Instead, their role is to support the well-being of individuals, families, and communities, recognizing these as the foundation of social life.

Foundational Principles: Dignity, Rights, and Responsibilities

• Equal Dignity and Value: Every person possesses equal intrinsic dignity, which grants them rights to conditions essential for a dignified life.

• Definition of Rights: Rights are conditions enabling individuals to fully realize their potential.

• Survival Rights: Fundamental rights necessary to sustain life, including safety, adequate food, shelter, medical care, essential social services, and equal legal protection.

• Thrival Rights: Beyond survival, these rights are vital for individuals to flourish and live out their God-given dignity. Examples include access to education, gainful employment, a safe environment, material goods for family support, freedom of conscience and religion, the right to immigrate, and freedom from