Abstract
In December 2024, the Philippine employment rate exceeded 95%, yet 57% of Filipinos still considered themselves poor. High employment conceals the prevalence of “bad jobs” marked by low wages, informality, and social stigma—what sociologist Everett Hughes termed dirty work—work society deems disgusting or degrading. This article examines dirty work through the lens of the Catholic business leader seeking an integrated life of faith and stewardship guided by Catholic Social Teaching (CST). It asks: How does dirty work evolve into dehumanization? Which CST principles respond to it? And how can these guide Filipino business leaders toward humanizing work? CST offers a counter-cultural vision rooted in the imago Dei, expressed through three themes: the Dignity of Work (addressing objectification through just wages and rest), Solidarity (healing exclusion through community), and Subsidiarity (restoring autonomy through participation). A case study of a Philippine company, Piandré Salon, demonstrates how these values can be embodied in business. When CST principles unite with Filipino virtues and authentic leadership, stigmatized work is transformed into dignified work.
Recommended Citation
Zulueta-Lorenzana, Andrea Claudia F.
(2026)
"From Dirty Work to Good Work: A Catholic Business Leader’s Perspective on Transforming the Social Construct of Dirty Work to Humanizing Work,"
Loyola Papers: Vol. 7:
No.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://archium.ateneo.edu/loyola/vol7/iss2/4