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Two Paradigms
The subtitle of the latest report of the International Forum on Globalization proclaims “A Better World is Possible.” Without using religious language, the authors of
ALTERNATIVES TO ECONOMIC GLOBALIZATION
[Berrett-Koehler Publishers, 2000] substantially replicate the fundamentals of recent Catholic teaching in this area. They do so with marked emphasis on the principles of human dignity, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the challenge of seeing the world through the eyes of the poor.
A personal reflection by Martin Khor of the Third World Network [pp 13-14] is particularly insightful and helpful. He challenges readers to work for that “possible better world” by clear-eyed striving in two conflicting paradigms or mindsets at the same time. In the first, which many may see as ‘tinkering,’ one works within the system for fairer trade, fairer economic and environmental relations and a better deal for the poor. In the second paradigm, the present corporate economic system is seen as incompatible with
long-time survival; it will inevitably blow up as its exaggerated economic growth rates clash with nature’s ecological limits.
Khor argues for civil society NGOs to work pragmatically in the first paradigm’s short term perspective to make things better for the poor and the environment. But, “emotionally” he lives and “belongs” in the second paradigm, and invites others to follow his example, in the hope that by living out of this vision they can foster the creation of new trade mechanisms, systems of prices, etc. that can serve as a transition into their “alternative better world.”
This idealistic pragmatic approach fits well, I believe, with Catholic social teaching’s own utopean vision of how realistically to set about building what the present pope calls “a civilization of love.” I believe that prayerful spiritual discernment can free us to see with new eyes, to be converted and so be able to go beyond social analysis or desire for gain, and to destroy in ourselves the false gods of slavish materialism and consumerism which corporate neoliberalism feasts on today. To be free enough to see the world through the eyes of the poor means living in and belonging in the second paradigm, and in faith and hope preparing the “possible” transition to a better world.
William Ryan SJ
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