St Peters College Fighting Poverty Discussion

Read the information linked “Profits and Property” and “Micro-Credit.” It will introduce you to “micro-credit” – this is a concept that has demonstrated that by giving individual families small amounts of money – as little as $25 a month to buy yarn for weaving or a goat to produce milk and cheese – allows them to double and triple their yearly income- greatly improving their lives, their children and extended family. Micro credit is called Social Business – it means making a profit from the poor in the world. This concept seems like a good idea if the purpose is to do good to people who are suffering through no fault of their own, however there are many companies that now see the “bottom of the pyramid” or the poor as a great opportunity to increase profits by selling them things like cell phones, TV’s, or designer shoes. Do they have a right to spend their money on items they want; to become consumers like us? What is your moral responsibility to others?