Question

What is a welfare state?

Answer 1

Hint: Aristotle defined the state as “a body of citizens sufficing for the purposes of life.” But over the years with evolution in its functioning, the state has gone to serve much broader purposes. With the emergence of economic liberalism, the laissez-faire system was born during the 18th century. This is a system under which transactions between private parties are free from state intervention, including restrictive regulations, taxes and tariffs. However, due to the rising need for economic and social good, greater intervention of the government was required. This gave rise to the modern welfare state.

Complete Step by Step answer: The concept of the welfare state also stems from liberalism but combines some features of socialism as well. In this form, the state would play a key role in protecting and promoting the economic and social well being of all individuals. This involves the conception of socioeconomic policies guided by the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth and public responsibility on the part of the state. Thus, a welfare state serves the larger public interest. Presently, there are three kinds of welfare state systems—Social Democracy, Christian Democracy and Liberalism.

 Note: The modern welfare state was created in the 1840s by Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany when he extended his welfare programs in Prussia and Saxony. The UK became a modern welfare state after several reforms between 1906 and 1914 which were spearheaded by then Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith. The welfare system in the United States began in the 1930s, during the Great Depression.