Distributism
Distributism, rooted in Catholic social teaching, argues that productive property should be spread as widely as possible among families, small firms and cooperatives. It rejects both large-scale capitalism and state socialism in favour of a society of small owners.
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Strongly favours subsidiarity and local, guild-based economic life.
Generally accepts democracy, though early thinkers had varied views on government form.
No strong position; values social order alongside personal responsibility.
Focused on local and national community rather than global institutions.
Generally not militarist; some adherents draw on just-war thinking.
Values cultural and religious cohesion of communities.
Supports private property but wants it widely distributed rather than concentrated.
Accepts measures to break up monopolies and support small owners, but not central planning.
Favours local production and protection of small producers.
Grounded in Catholic social teaching.
Traditional on family and community life.
Wary of industrial scale and technology that displaces craft and family work.