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Understanding Laborem Exercens: Human Work

This is the first social encyclical of Pope John Paul II. Laborem Exercens begins with a Christian anthropology, humanity as a person made in the divine image. In it he develops the concept of man's dignity in work, structuring it in four points: the subordination of work to man; the primacy of the worker over the whole of instruments and conditioning that historically constitute the world of labor; the rights of the human person as the determining factor of all socio-economic, technological and productive processes, that must be recognized.

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8 views2 pages

Understanding Laborem Exercens: Human Work

This is the first social encyclical of Pope John Paul II. Laborem Exercens begins with a Christian anthropology, humanity as a person made in the divine image. In it he develops the concept of man's dignity in work, structuring it in four points: the subordination of work to man; the primacy of the worker over the whole of instruments and conditioning that historically constitute the world of labor; the rights of the human person as the determining factor of all socio-economic, technological and productive processes, that must be recognized.

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Lyn Abuda
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© All Rights Reserved
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LABOREM EXERCENS (On Human Work)

I. Background
Pope John Paul II wrote the Encyclical Laborem Exercens (On Human Work) in 1981, on the occasion of
the 90th anniversary of Leo XIII's Encyclical "Rerum Novarum" on the question of labor. It was signed on
September 14, feast of the Holy Cross.

Laborem Exercens begins with a Christian anthropology, humanity as a person made in the divine image.
Pope John Paul II, develops the concept of man's dignity in work, structuring it in four points: the
subordination of work to man; the primacy of the worker over the whole of instruments and
conditioning that historically constitute the world of labor; the rights of the human person as the
determining factor of all socio-economic, technological and productive processes, that must be
recognized; and some elements that can help all men identify with Christ through their own work.

Laborem Exercens affirms the dignity of workers as human persons. This particular encyclical identifies a
potential threat by reductionist perspectives in the economic world that view labor as simply means of
production. Labor, rather than being an independent entity, constituted by human person and the work
they do.

The document contains a philosophical analysis and critique of both Marxist and capitalist systems.
While Marxism sets labor and capital in opposition, capitalism can see workers as instrument to be
exploited. In Laborem Exercens the point is made that all capital is the result of Labor.

Laborem Exercens is a sustained reflection on the meaning of human work, which John Paul considers to
be a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question.

"Human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question, if we try to see that
question really from the point of view of man's good. And if the solution - or rather the gradual solution -
of the social question, which keeps coming up and becomes ever more complex, must be sought in the
direction of 'making life more human', then the key, namely human work, acquires fundamental and
decisive importance."
The issue then becomes the proper use and ownership of capital. While the right to private ownership
of property including the means of production is affirmed, it is the view of the church that this right is
not absolute but subject to the common good.

Laborem Exercens is a sustained reflection on the meaning of human work, which John Paul considers to
be a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question.

"Human work is a key, probably the essential key, to the whole social question, if we try to see that
question really from the point of view of man's good. And if the solution - or rather the gradual solution -
of the social question, which keeps coming up and becomes ever more complex, must be sought in the
direction of 'making life more human', then the key, namely human work, acquires fundamental and
decisive importance."

This is the first social encyclical of Pope John Paul II. Laborem Exercens begins with a Christian
anthropology, humanity as a person made in the divine image. In it he develops the concept of man's
dignity in work, structuring it in four points: the subordination of work to man; the primacy of the
worker over the whole of instruments and conditioning that historically constitute the world of labor;
the rights of the human person as the determining factor of all socio-economic, technological and
productive processes, that must be recognized; and some elements that can help all men identify with
Christ through their own work.

Common questions

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"Laborem Exercens" acknowledges the right to private ownership of property, including the means of production, but it emphasizes that this right is not absolute and is subordinate to the common good. The encyclical insists that ownership and use of capital must serve human dignity and the broader society, ensuring equity and justice in economic systems .

"Laborem Exercens" presents the Christian view of human dignity by stating that humanity is made in the divine image, which imbues labor with intrinsic dignity. The encyclical outlines four key points: the subordination of work to man, the primacy of the worker over the instruments of labor, the recognition of human rights as central to socio-economic processes, and the spiritual dimension of work that helps individuals identify with Christ. This view opposes reductionist perspectives that see labor merely as a means of production .

The encyclical "Laborem Exercens" posits that work is not only a means of economic productivity but also a spiritual exercise through which humans can identify with Christ. By engaging in labor, individuals mirror Christ's own labor and suffering, finding a deeper sense of purpose and spiritual fulfillment in their personal vocation and role in the divine plan .

"Laborem Exercens" suggests that the rights of the human person should be the determining factor in shaping socio-economic, technological, and productive processes. These rights should be recognized to ensure that labor respects human dignity and contributes to the common good. This approach involves structuring systems that prioritize human welfare over mere economic growth, thus challenging any practices that exploit or dehumanize workers .

Human work is considered key to the social question because it reflects the fundamental aspect of human dignity and the pursuit of a more humane society. John Paul II argues that the solution to complex social issues should aim at making life more human, and thus human work, being central to human experience, acquires essential importance. This perspective demands respect for labor's role in socio-economic structures, beyond just economic productivity .

Philosophically, "Laborem Exercens" places labor within a historical and evolving social context, emphasizing that human work is fundamental in addressing the social question. By exploring the complexities inherent in socio-economic and technological developments, the encyclical maintains that these changes should serve to make life more human, anchoring the discourse on labor in a larger narrative that prioritizes collective human dignity and ethical progress .

"Laborem Exercens" critiques Marxist and capitalist views by highlighting their reductionist perspectives. Marxism is criticized for setting labor and capital in opposition, while capitalism is faulted for viewing workers as instruments of exploitation. The encyclical argues that all capital is ultimately the result of labor, and emphasizes the need for recognizing labor's inherent dignity and importance over mere economic considerations .

"Laborem Exercens" introduces the concept of "the primacy of the worker over the instruments of labor" to assert that humans should never be regarded as mere tools within production processes. This stance prioritizes the well-being and rights of workers over the machinery and systems used in production, advocating for work environments that uphold human dignity and ethical standards .

The subordination of work to man, as described in "Laborem Exercens," holds that labor should serve humanity rather than humans being subservient to labor. This is significant because it places human dignity and needs above economic and technological imperatives, ensuring that work enhances human welfare and development rather than becoming a tool of exploitation or degradation .

"Laborem Exercens" views reductionist perspectives, which regard labor merely as an economic means of production, as a threat to the dignity of labor. These perspectives reduce the human element to a commodity, undermining the spiritual and personal growth dimensions of work. The document argues for a holistic understanding that respects and upholds human dignity, viewing labor as integral to human development within ethical socio-economic systems .

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