Distributism

**Distributism** is an economic theory that says productive resources should be owned by many people, not just a few. It was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is based on Catholic social teaching, especially from Pope Leo XIII's _Rerum novarum_ (1891) and Pope Pius XI's _Quadragesimo anno_ (1931).

It influenced Christian Democratic movements in English-speaking countries, and shaped ideas behind the social market economy.

Distributism sees both _laissez-faire_ capitalism and state socialism as harmful because both concentrate ownership too much. It supports small independent producers, cooperatives, mutual organisations, small businesses, and anti-trust laws to limit large powers. Some Christian democratic parties, like the American Solidarity Party, include distributist principles in their policies.

## Overview

Distributists believe the right to property is basic, and means of production should be spread widely, not controlled by the state, a few people, or big corporations. This creates a society where property ownership is common.

Distributism opposes both capitalism and socialism. Some say capitalism eventually becomes state-controlled anyway.  Thomas Storck wrote that distributism focuses on human and spiritual life, unlike socialism or capitalism. Figures like Dorothy Day drew on Pierre-Joseph Proudhon's mutualism. Some followers practiced a libertarian socialist version, opposing state control.

Historically, distributism has been more an ideal than a fully implemented system. It emphasizes subsidiarity and solidarity via local cooperatives and small businesses. G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc were key early advocates.

## Background

In the late 19th century, political Catholicism grew in Europe. These movements opposed secularism, capitalism, and socialism. In 1891, Pope Leo XIII's _Rerum novarum_ defended workers' rights to property, safe conditions, fair wages, and unions, and rejected state ownership as a way to help the poor.

Early 20th-century authors G. K. Chesterton and Hilaire Belloc shaped distributism as a theory promoting small businesses, cooperatives, and widespread property. They wrote essays and books like _The Servile State_ and _Outline of Sanity_.

### Private property

Distributists believe that people work better when they own property. Pope Leo XIII wrote that property allows families to thrive. G. K. Chesterton also said property lets people express themselves within limits. Belloc added that productive property, like land and tools, should be widely owned, though public goods remain acceptable.

### Redistribution of wealth

Distributism spreads productive assets to many people, not just a few or the state. This can include direct distribution, taxation of large holdings, or support for small businesses.

### Guild system

Distributists support reviving guilds to ensure fair work standards and ethical business conduct.

### Banks

They favor mutual and cooperative banks, like credit unions, instead of large private banks.

### Human family

Distributists see family and home as central to society. Owning property helps families thrive.

### Subsidiarity

No larger group should do work a smaller group can do. Pope Pius XI described this in _Quadragesimo anno_.

### Social security

Distributists support social safety nets, such as fair student aid and support for vulnerable people.

## Politics

Distributism fits various political systems but focuses on widespread ownership of productive property. Chesterton and Belloc promoted traditional, agrarian values but adapted their ideas to the political context.

In the U.S., the American Solidarity Party follows distributist principles. Similar parties existed in the UK, Brazil, and Australia. In 2024, Romanian candidate Călin Georgescu supported distributist ideas.

## Influence

Distributism influenced economist E. F. Schumacher and organizations like the Mondragon Corporation and the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic.

## Current distributist parties

- Australia – Democratic Labour Party
- Romania – Pirate Party Romania
- United States – American Solidarity Party
- Mexico - Nationalist Front of Mexico

## Historical distributist parties

- UK – Distributist League (1926–1940), Third Way (1990–2006)
- Brazil – Humanist Party of Solidarity (1995–2019)

## Notable distributists

- Hilaire Belloc, G. K. Chesterton, Dorothy Day, Peter Maurin, Vincent McNabb, Arthur Penty

## Key texts

- _Rerum novarum_ (1891), Pope Leo XIII
- _Quadragesimo anno_ (1931), Pope Pius XI
- _The Servile State_ (1913), Hilaire Belloc
- _What's Wrong with the World_ (1910), G. K. Chesterton

## External links

- The Distributist Review