Humanizing Neo-liberal Globalization: A Christian Vision and Commitment in the Context of India Author: Cyprian Tellis Persistent link: http://hdl.handle.net/2345/2932 This work is posted on eScholarship@BC, Boston College University Libraries. Boston College Electronic Thesis or Dissertation, 2011 Copyright is held by the author, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise noted. BOSTON COLLEGE SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY AND MINISTRY HUMANIZING NEO-LIBERAL GLOBALIZATION: A CHRISTIAN VISION AND COMMITMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF INDIA A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF SACRED THEOLOGY BY CYPRIAN TELLIS, S.J 2011 © copyright by CYPRIAN TELLIS 2011 THESIS DIRECTOR THOMAS J. MASSARO, S.J READERS STEPHEN J. POPE O. ERNESTO VALIENTE EXAMINER MT. DAVILA PROGRAM DIRECTOR JOHN R. SACHS, S.J Abstract There is a substantial and growing corpus of literature that describes, with convincing statistics and analysis, globalization as the greatest achievement in the history of our modern world and that it has brought the greatest degree of prosperity and economic growth to poor countries. However, seen from the perspective of the poor and the marginalized, the current globalization has not helped them to end their misery and marginalization; indeed in most cases it has actually worsened their situation. The Christian community cannot remain an idle spectator of this unjust, inhuman and sinful global reality. Analyzed from a Christian theological perspective, it is not only an economic issue but also a moral issue. It is a social sin to violate human dignity, to commodify human labor, and to marginalize the poor. Based on the teachings of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conferences, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India and some prominent Asian theologians, I contend that dialogue with other faith traditions, cultures and the poor must be an essential part of her mission of humanizing the current globalization. I argue that the Church in India should avoid the presumption that she already possesses a vision of the common good adequate to the Indian society. While remaining committed to gospel values, the Church must be an open-minded listening and learning. Contents Acknowledgements….…………………………………….………………………………………….………….viii General Introduction...............................................................................................................1 Methodology..............................................................................................................................6 Overview....................................................................................................................................7 Chapter One: Economic Globalization: Its Meaning, Ideology and Consequences for the Poor Introduction..............................................................................................................................12 1. Meaning and Definitions......................................................................................................15 1.2. Some Definitions ..........................................................................................................19 1.3. The Historical Background...........................................................................................24 2. Neo-liberalism: It’s Governing Ideology.............................................................................27 2.1. Neo-liberal Capitalism and Globalization ....................................................................32 2.2. The Re-emergence of Neo-liberalism...........................................................................33 2.3. The Unholy Trinity (the WB, WTO, IMF): the Main Agents ......................................35 3. Defining Elements of Globalization ....................................................................................38 3.1. Free Market and Global Trade......................................................................................39 3.2. Global Financial Markets..............................................................................................43 3.3. The Transnational Corporations (TNCs) ......................................................................47 4. The Impact of Globalization: An Unending Debate............................................................53 4.1. Globalization and Poverty.............................................................................................64 4.1.1. Meaning of Poverty................................................................................................65 4.1.2. Growing Poverty....................................................................................................68 4.1.3. Reasons for Global Poverty ...................................................................................71 4.2. Globalization and Social Justice ...................................................................................76 4.2.1. Globalization and Labor ........................................................................................83 4.2.1.1 The Unskilled Workers....................................................................................88 4.2.2. Peasant Communities in the Developing World....................................................89 4.3. Globalization and the Human Person ...........................................................................93 4.3.1. Commodification of Human Identity.....................................................................93 4.3.2. Self-Identity and Consumerism .............................................................................95 Conclusion ...............................................................................................................................96 Chapter Two: Alternatives to Economic Globalization Introduction..............................................................................................................................99 1. Emerging Global Alternatives ...........................................................................................102 1.1. People’s Social Movements........................................................................................103 1.1.1. Globalization from Below....................................................................................105 1.1.1.1. The Principle of Subsidiarity ........................................................................107 1.1.1.2. Its Vision and Actions...................................................................................109 1.1.1.3. Contradictions and Future of the Movement ................................................110 1.1.2. World Social Forum.............................................................................................112 1.1.3. Fair Trade Movement ..........................................................................................116 1.2. Localization.................................................................................................................120 1.3. Reformist Alternatives................................................................................................123 1.3.1. Fair Global Governance.......................................................................................125 1.3.2. International Fair Trade .......................................................................................127 1.3.2.1. Principles for Fair Trade Agreements...........................................................131 1.3.3. Developing Infrastructure and Human Capabilities ............................................133 1.3.4. Sustainable Development.....................................................................................135 2. Comprehensive Vision of Development............................................................................139 2.1. New Standard of Measurement...................................................................................140 2.2. Joseph Stiglitz’s Vision of Development....................................................................142 2.2.1. Main Components of Development.....................................................................144 2.2.1.1. Market and Private Sector.............................................................................144 2.2.1.2. The Public Sector..........................................................................................144 2.2.1.3. Individuals and Community..........................................................................145 2.3. Amartya Sen’s Capability Development Approach....................................................147 2.3.1. Multifaceted Approach to Development..............................................................149 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................152 Chapter Three: Catholic Social Teaching: A Critical Response to Neo-liberal Globalization Introduction............................................................................................................................154 1. The Church and Globalization...........................................................................................161 1.1. Globalization: “As a Moral Issue”.............................................................................166 1.2. The Church: a Sign of God’s Kingdom ......................................................................172 1.3. The Church’s Commitment to Social