From a tradition based upon the principles of Catholic social thought, the institute offers participatory research, social analysis, theological reflection and practical strategies for improving the social and economic conditions in the Gulf South states and in select countries of the Caribbean and Latin America, with a particular focus on issues of migration, poverty, and racism. Through fostering close collaboration with faculty, staff, and students of Loyola University—within a network of Jesuit social centers in the United States, partnering countries, and links with other universities—the Jesuit Social Research Institute combines academic research, education, and social action in a new paradigm based on the union of faith and justice, the integrating factors of all Jesuit ministries.