Preferential Option for the Poor

Fundamental Concepts

Preferential option for the poor is a theological maxim of liberation theology urging special consideration for the plight of the impoverished in economic, social, and political decisions.
This belief stems from an interpretation of Jesus’ teachings to prioritise the needs of society’s most vulnerable and marginalised.
The preferential option for the poor is not about favouring the poor, but about righting an entrenched imbalance.

Liberation theologians argue that notions of justice and love are meaningless unless they involve a clear bias in favour of the poor.
This concept encourages individuals and societies to shape policies and create economic systems that enhance the dignity and rights of the powerless instead of prioritising the wealthy.
The Catholic Church, particularly during the papacy of Pope Francis, has highlighted the preferential option for the poor as a fundamental component of Catholic social teaching.

Critics argue that a preferential option for the poor could lead to a form of reverse discrimination, hampering the rights or opportunities of those not deemed “poor”.
Some opponents see this standpoint as a suggestion of class struggle, similar to Marxist categories, rather than a focus on spiritual transformation.
Some dissenters assert that it discredits meritocracy and can perpetuate poverty by failing to encourage self-betterment.

Despite some resemblances, liberation theology’s preferential option for the poor deviates substantially from Marxist ideology.
While Marx saw the proletariat (working class) as instrumental in creating a revolution, liberation theology views the poor as a group to be protected and assisted, not a means to an end.
The goal in liberation theology is not a classless society as in Marxism, but a society where the dignity and rights of the poor are respected and upheld.