Quadragesimo Anno - Corporatism and Fascism

Corporatism and Fascism

The encyclical describes in considerable detail a desired social structure. In a clear reference to the emerging (fascist) corporatist society, a generally favourable evaluation of its benefits is declared.

91. Recently, as all know, there has been inaugurated a special system of syndicates and corporations of the various callings which in view of the theme of this Encyclical it would seem necessary to describe here briefly and comment upon appropriately.
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93. The associations, or corporations, are composed of delegates from the two syndicates (that is, of workers and employers) respectively of the same industry or profession and, as true and proper organs and institutions of the State, they direct the syndicates and coordinate their activities in matters of common interest toward one and the same end.

94. Strikes and lock-outs are forbidden; if the parties cannot settle their dispute, public authority intervenes.

95. Anyone who gives even slight attention to the matter will easily see what are the obvious advantages in the system We have thus summarily described: The various classes work together peacefully, socialist organizations and their activities are repressed, and a special magistracy exercises a governing authority. ...

—Pius XI., Quadragesimo Anno, official edition

Several notes of caution are given as to the relative freedom of associations and the necessary guidance from spiritual and moral authorities.

M. Rothbard, a proponent of free-trade liberalism of the Austrian school retorts:

Quadragesimo Anno, ..., is virulently anti-capitalist and, in fact, pro-fascist. This fascist tendency is revealed by the trend of European Catholicism between the wars toward the adoption of the corporate state as their ideal.

—Murray Rothbard, Catholicism and Capitalism, 1959/1960

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Arguably, Quadragesimo anno is a proposals for a corporativist "third way" between liberal capitalism and communism and an indirect support for the fascist, or more to the point, clerofascist social order.