The Thomistic Institute

Minimum Wage vs. Just Wage: A Thomistic Clarification of Catholic Social Teaching – Dr. Michael Krom

12 snips
Nov 14, 2025
Dr. Michael Krom, a Professor specializing in Thomistic thought, discusses the nuances of just wages within Catholic social teaching. He highlights the distinction between moral and political claims concerning wages and explores Scripture's take on labor compensation. Krom delves into the historical context of wage debates and how Aquinas's teachings can illuminate modern discussions on sufficiency and justice. He also emphasizes the importance of subsidiarity in addressing wage issues, advocating for local solutions over government intervention.
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INSIGHT

Moral Versus Political Claims About Justice

  • Dr. Michael Krom distinguishes moral claims about justice from political claims about government's role in securing justice.
  • This distinction helps bridge divides between conservative and social-justice Catholics on wages.
ANECDOTE

John Ryan: Complex New Deal Catholic

  • Krom cites John Ryan as a prominent New Deal Catholic who championed minimum-wage laws in the 1930s.
  • Ryan combined progressive economic activism with conservative moral positions like opposing contraception and restricting immigration.
INSIGHT

Biblical Measure Of Wages

  • The Bible links daily wages to human need, framing pay in terms of livelihood not luxury.
  • Krom emphasizes the day's wage as tied to opportunity to work and measure of need, not entitlement to extra goods.
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