Abstract
The work focuses on the roots and development of the Young Christian Workers movement in Belgium during the first half of the 20th century. It examines its relations with catholic social teaching and the creation of Specialized catholic action.The study describes the organization structure, way of mobilization of youths, position and influences of Joseph Cardijn (the creator of JOC movement) and its diffusion around the world.
Particular attention is devoted to JOC’s responses to some key issues as the economic crisis of 30s, the conflicts with Belgian socialist, the persecution of Jews, the Spanish civil war and on the changes during World War II. In the conclusion the study try to summarize the principal impacts of JOC in religious and wider social context.