[The author analyzes U.S. Catholic perspectives on economic livelihood at the beginnings of the 20th and 21st centuries, giving particular attention to the influence of beliefs and practices surrounding gender. Contemporary Catholic advocacy for worker justice, the author contends, will increase its credibility and efficacy if its fundamental moral commitment—to universal access to economic livelihood—is highlighted, and is more carefully distinguished from disputes about the specific gender relations and family-work arrangements by which livelihood is to be pursued.]