總結: | <p>In contrast to research studies, which approach Catholic social teaching (CST) as a theoretical complex, abstracted from situations in which it was applied, this thesis deliberately adapts an inductive method. Through this contextual approach attention devoted to specific co-operative projects exemplifies the extent of CST’s influence. Missionary pioneers created new socioeconomic practices and mutual-aid (voluntary) associations; consequently, these democratic, co-operative practices not only enhanced social capital formation from below but also implicitly challenged a top-down formulation of the social teaching. Thus, this thesis not only analyses specific examples of grass-roots development but also intentionally approaches CST via these specific exemplifications rather than vice versa. These co-operative development projects through self-help, communitarian practices within a social capital-social justice nexus privileged the acting person over dominant collective action, offering an alternative for economic development in tension with both nationalist socialism and liberal capitalism.</p>
<p>Five empirical cases, primarily analysing original archival sources, demonstrate an historical interplay between formation of social capital practices and an enactment of CST principles for social justice within co-operative movements. Major findings indicate that social capital, although varied in each case, significantly contributed toward organisational capacities in sustaining grass-roots co-operative practices. Enacting social justice principles, however, proved much more complex in actuality due to divergence, tension, or conflict between multiple government, private and religious-sponsored co-operative sectors.</p>
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