I would relate this to realistic prospects to pursue self-betterment. Maslow would call this the quest towards “self-actualization”. But it’s not the most concrete, and definable type of idea but is an important element, at least to me.
Please don’t equate Maslow’s positions with your own. I know his work well. He was speaking of conditions or states, not (necessarily) societal obligations. He was acknowledging the fact that desperation makes it difficult if not impossible to seek higher Goods, let alone to actualize oneself.
That said, it is my opinion that far too many Catholics romanticize poverty. Poverty is actually quite ugly, and normally does not sanctify someone. (In contrast to vowed or consecrated poverty, freely chosen, or in contrast to lay simplicity of lifestyle.) Rather, unwilled poverty tends to encourage the most base, least noble, instincts in its subject: competition, dishonesty, bitterness, suspicion, and selfishness – all because of the need to survive.
Consecrated poverty (btw, since I brought it up) cannot be compared to secular unchosen poverty, because the former does not have the dimension of insecurity to it, whereas the latter does. Human beings are not attractive when they become dangerously insecure and lack a supportive community.
Thus, my definition of “poor” is layered:
The urgent category of poor:
Also known as the abject poor: an unwilled condition of deprivation severe enough to interfere with purpose, hope, focus, and even self-organization. (Poverty disorients.) IOW, the person needs outside intervention (even temporary) to maintain his motivation and to care, given a self-perception of dependency, a perception which arises from discouragement.
That group is not “millions,” but it is certainly a signfiicant figure, which is why I seekideas for more permanent solutions, not only for Christian compassion reasons, but for the health of communities and the nation.
The working poor:
This group is in a constant state of struggle, but more for maintenance as opposed to raw survival. Like the above group, they find themselves locked in restricted mode, unclear about how to advance beyond this level.
I do not consider the poor to equal “lower-class.” (Living very simply and without luxuries, while not desperate.)
Bottom line: The reason for Jesus’ exhortations about the poor was that He also considered poverty to include dependency/helplessness. His reference point for poverty did not include farmers who had no excess currency to buy purple cloth (luxuries), or who ate meat once a month, but rather the cohort of people who were unable to be independent and who relied on the generosity of others because there was no other choice. (i.e., at risk)
I think, however, that the working poor in a capitalistic society (unlike the ancient Mediterranean) can easily become, and have often become, the abject poor. I think Christian vigilance compels us to work to prevent such regression by ensuring not just opportunity but proactive outreach. (See my comments on the Dolan thread.) That, i.m.o., is a joint project for government, the private sector, religious institutions, NGO’s, and individuals.
