Premium Essay

Social Welfare

In:

Submitted By Nora90
Words 808
Pages 4
What is ‘social welfare’?

Social welfare is a nation’s system of programs, benefits and services that help meet the psychological, social, and economic needs that are fundamental to the well-being of individuals and society (Macarov 1995).

Macarov’s definition is in some senses so broad that it lacks clarity. For instance, Macarov refers to social welfare as a ‘nation’s system’ rather than a ‘government’s system’. If it includes any program, benefit or service that helps meet human needs then is that a system? The word ‘system’ suggests that it is organised or structured. The term ‘nation’s system’ introduces uncertainty into what is included and what, if anything is excluded.

Now it terms of meeting needs, Macarov classifies social welfare as meeting psychological, social and economic needs that are fundamental to well-being. Is the argument here that, social welfare meets psychological, social and economic needs because they are all fundamental to well-being or is Macarov implying that social welfare only has to meet a fundamental or basic level of psychological, social and economic needs? The use of the word ‘fundamental’ in this context is rather equivocal. The wording of the definition makes the reader perplexed and drives him/her into a journey of reflection and contemplation to try to figure which of these alternatives Macarov is actually proposing.

Macarov’s inclusion of psychological, social and economic needs is I believe a very broad but vague proposition. Under a broad definition of ‘need’, it is hard to imagine what could be excluded, but if he has in mind a definition of ‘need’ as something opposed to luxury, then he should construct an objective and clear idea of where need ends and luxury begins. It is not at all certain if the aim of social welfare is to reach just an adequate level of well-being or whether the aim is to live a good or

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Social Welfare

...Social Welfare: Pros and Cons Melissa Pugh Post University Online Social Welfare: Pros and Cons The ever-winding tendrils of hardship are impacting individuals who through the ups and downs of life; have become disabled, unemployed, or perhaps senior citizens. Social welfare is available for those who may find themselves in these unfortunate positions. While working at a Milwaukee University, Julia Doyle’s mother was killed by a senseless drunk-driving accident in 1990. Driven by determination, Doyle saw to it that justice was served however this required many requests for leave and because of this; she was terminated although she had invested ten years at the university. Julia Doyle went on to have a total of three children with little or no support from the father; deprived of many necessities, she became a recipient of welfare. She also admits to drug usage during her fall from grace. Nevertheless, for many, social welfare provokes dependency and others like Julia Doyle (Pomeroy, 2008) utilized its benefits to gain a life of financial stability. According to Flynn (2013), “Welfare is a term used to describe systems by which government agencies provide economic assistance, goods, and services to persons who are unable to care for themselves. Welfare is a form of social policy. Welfare programs serve as social safety nets.” Provision is made for member via social policy, social programs, and welfare enterprises. Upon the transfer of...

Words: 1281 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Social Welfare

...Social Welfare Past & Present robert white HN300: Human Services and Social Policy Social Welfare Past & Present robert white HN300: Human Services and Social Policy 2014 2014 Social welfare began in England with the English Poor Laws. Poor Laws were a body of laws that provided relief for the poor, developed in 16th-century and maintained, with various changes, until after World War II. The Elizabethan Poor Laws, were administered through parish overseers, who provided relief for the aged, sick, and infant poor, as well as work for the able-bodied in workhouses. However, the modern welfare state was started by Otto von Bismarck, the first Chancellor of Germany, created the modern welfare state by building on a tradition of welfare programs in Prussia and Saxony that began as early as in the 1840s. Bismarck introduced old age pensions, accident insurance and medical care that formed the basis of the modern European welfare state.  The United Kingdom, as a modern welfare state, started to emerge with the Liberal welfare reforms of 1906–1914 under Liberal Prime Minister Herbert Asquith. The passing of the Old-Age Pensions Act in 1908, the introduction of free school meals in 1909, the 1909 Labour Exchanges Act, the Development Act 1909, which heralded greater Government intervention in economic development, and the enacting of the National Insurance Act 1911 setting up a national insurance contribution for unemployment and health benefits from work. The...

Words: 1891 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Social vs Corporate Welfare

...on United States Welfare: Federally funded and governed US welfare began in the 1930's during the Great Depression. The US government responded to the overwhelming number of families and individuals in need of aid by creating a welfare program that would give assistance to those who had little or no income. The US welfare system stayed in the hands of the federal government for the next sixty-one years. Welfare system reform became a hot topic in the1990's. Bill Clinton was elected as President with the intention of reforming the federally run US Welfare program. In 1996 the Republican Congress passed a reform law signed by President Clinton that gave the control of the welfare system back to the states. The United States provides many different Welfare programs to help meet the needs of citizens with lower incomes and also programs that are intended to help citizens progress out of their current living situations. Some programs are common knowledge, but there are also other programs that most people don’t are under the Social Welfare umbrella. Why is Social Welfare a Social Problem? Social Welfare is a social problem because they are government programs citizens are forced to pay into whether they support it or not, limiting their choice of how they want their money to be used. Social Welfare is also a program that supports thousands of individuals and families who may not be able to support themselves. There is great debate on whether social welfare programs should be...

Words: 1596 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Social Welfare Policy

...Housing First Program Social Welfare Policy Social Policy Analysis questions 1. The formal name of the social policy and what is its official purpose The proposed policy is Housing First, which is a policy solution aimed at offering the homeless with fast solutions to their problem and offering the services they need. The policy provides permanent, affordable housing to families and individuals suffering from homelessness (National Alliance to End Homelessness, 2014). This policy approach differs from other related strategies in its primary and immediate emphasis on providing accessible and sustainable housing solution. 2. A historical context, explaining the introduction of the social policy. Conventionally, most of the providers of housing to the homeless made it a necessity to show evidence of “housing readiness.” Some of the requirements were to enter treatment or to achieve sobriety before offering permanent housing. To address this problem, the Housing First program needs to provide permanent supportive housing. Being different and separate program from "rapid re-housing", it is a relatively new invention in social policy and human service programs. Being an innovation, this program has not undergone major changes. However, it spanned off from past programs to provide housing to the homeless. It developed as a substitute to emergency shelter/transitional housing progressions system. Major changes in policy have led to the actual implementation of this Housing...

Words: 931 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

1. It Has Been Claimed That Social Welfare Is Not About Promoting the Recipients’ Wellbeing but About Promoting Their Compliance with Particular Standards of Behaviour. Critically Discuss This Claim with Reference to

...Some have argued that social welfare should be about promoting recipient wellbeing. However, others have argued that in recent times welfare programs are more about controlling the behaviour of welfare recipients. This essay will examine the history of welfare programs to women since the initiation of the post-war welfare state under Labour Prime Minister Chifley to ascertain whether recent development in these programs are more about providing for recipient’s wellbeing or rather about trying to make them comply with certain standards of accepted behaviour. Chifley argued that it was the “duty and responsibility of the community, and particularly those more fortunately placed, to see that our less fortunate fellow citizens are protected from those shafts of fate which leave them helpless and without hope”. He continued the labour movement would fight to ensure a future “free from want, insecurity and misery” (Chifley, quoted in Beilharz, 1994). Chifley was stating that those in need should be the recipients of welfare without them having to comply with any requirements to perform to certain behavioural standards. This approach set the scene for the expansion of the welfare state from the post-war period through its expansion in the Whitlam years until its principles were challenged by the Howard Government in the 1990s. During this time welfare benefits grew and were extended to new groups of people considered in need. The labour party supported the notion of deservedness...

Words: 1713 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Adequate Social Welfare

...The Co-ordination of Social Welfare Programs for Canadian Older Adults is Adequate The “con” side debate team effectively defended its stance on social welfare programs for Canadian older adults. One argument that the team made was that there should be greater attention paid towards the growing rates of elderly Canadians and their future needs. I agree with this statement. According to the team, financial cutbacks to care for older adults exist. I believe that social welfare programs in Canada need to increase financial support for these growing numbers. As Canadians age, the elderly population will be the greatest demographic of Canadians, and social welfare programs will need to address care for the larger number of older adults. Another...

Words: 315 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

American Social Welfare

...Chapter 1 Questions 2. Classical conservatism views versus a liberal’s view are very different. When it comes to social welfare issues, such as healthcare, conservatism believe in traditional American values. for healthcare conservatives believe in a free market, where healthcare is not controlled by the government. Where as liberals believe in equality in which everyone received the same healthcare controlled by the government. As for Medicare, conservatives believe in a reformed plan in which this receiving it have options rather than all receiving the same treatment. Liberals oppose privatizing Medicare and support obamas views to preserve it.  When it comes to drug abuse, conservatives tend to be against the loosening up on the penalties and legalization. On the other end, liberals view legalization as a way to improve our economy and loosening up on punishment for any type of drug abuse. Neo-conservatives are Conservatives with less strong views and tend to fall on the more moderate side of the spectrum.  Sometimes these neo-conservatives even have a few liberal views on certain issues, especially when it comes to domestic policy. Looking at the issues addressed earlier, they tend to have the same views except less strong feelings on the need to change them. Neo-liberals are liberals who share a few conservative views. Hardcore Liberals tend to be modern and progressive where as neo-liberals show these characteristics but also some conservatism views such as free markets...

Words: 289 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Political Perspectives On Social Welfare

...There are many different perspectives on social welfare. Some people will argue that social welfare is no benefiting society because we still have a huge population of people who need public assistance. While on the other hand some would argue that social welfare is beneficial. Perspectives allow for different social attitudes and ideologies about social welfare and how it should be controlled. One type of perspective is “political perspectives on social welfare” this perspective focus on the government influences on reforming and enforcing social welfare programs. This section of the reading looked at different views on whether the government should step in to work with social welfare programs. Some views said that the government should provide...

Words: 982 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Role of Government in Social Welfare

...ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN SOCIAL WELFARE A Government consists of group of people who govern a state. The proper governing of state plays a very important role in the development of a country. The government should take all necessary steps for the betterment of the country and its people. A democratic country is for the people, by the people and to the people. Therefore government of any country should act wisely for the development of the community. Social welfare is a policy in which the well being of a society at large is the main target. It includes every class/group of people in the society i.e. children, women, the disabled, old etc and the basic standard of living is guaranteed to every one. ROLE OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF GOVERNMENT OF MIZORAM Social Welfare was created as a small wing under Education Department during 1973 – 74 with one State Social Welfare Officer, one District Social Welfare Officer and a skeleton supporting staff. During 1974-75, the Social Welfare Wing was strengthened by posting one Programme Officer. Today, as many as 506 staff belonging to different grades is working in the Department, covering the whole of Mizoram. The Department of Social Welfare has been taking up various schemes for the upliftment of women and children, handicapped persons, old age persons, management of correctional institutions and social defense, strengthening of voluntary organizations and development of rural infrastructure. SCHEMES AND PROGRAMMES 1) INTEGRATED...

Words: 1486 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Forensic Social Welfare Cases

...There are barriers included within forensic social work practicing and child welfare cases. The practice of bringing social workers in during cases has been a reoccurring matter. However, the specialty of forensic social workers interviewing during cases is more so still evolving. Sometimes, not only does interviewers take on one client, but they must take on multiple clients. In the examples throughout this paper, it was determined that forensic social workers must engage with the child’s teachers, health care providers, and caregivers, if necessary. That can be very time consuming which can cause anxiety or burn out for the social workers. Another barrier is the number of caseloads that forensic social workers must endure. There is an extensive...

Words: 761 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

The Economics of Amartya Sen “Social Choice and Welfare Economics” (Npwes, 2008) and as Related to Philippine Economy: National Budget Cycle

...The Economics of Amartya Sen “Social Choice and Welfare Economics” (NPWES, 2008) And as related to Philippine Economy: National Budget Cycle In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant By: Binalingbing, Jhan Ray N. February 2014 INTRODUCTION “…a budget is a useful tool to help ensure that what limited money is available will be spent for the family’s most important needs, like food, clothing and shelter.” -Florencio Abad Secretary, Department of Budget and Management Every household knows that their budget is indispensable, important and has the capability to turn and mobilize their life around. Every day, millions of Filipinos work just for a meager share to eat, drink, and live, and tomorrow, work again to live for a day. Yet reality, tells us that many still suffer and live in difficult conditions. The National Statistics Coordination Board (NCSB) reported that in 2012, 4.2 million Filipino families experienced or lived in poverty or that is 19.2% percent. The same report also stated that a family of five needed a budget of PhP 5,513 to meet basic food needs every month and Php 7,890 to stay above the poverty threshold (basic food and non-food needs) every month. Such can be attributed to the inflation rise to 4.1 % from the year 2009-2012. What could have caused this statistic to be constant and rise up even more? Is there lack in financial stewardship and accountability on the part of Filipinos? Or even...

Words: 5675 - Pages: 23

Premium Essay

Assignment on State Enterprise for Social Welfare

... Which one is more suitable for Social and Economic Welfare? Show your arguments in support of your answer. Answer: State Owned Enterprise is more suitable for Social and Economic Welfare. • Since sole tradership and partnership and joint stock company’s main objective is to earn profit, those companies is not suitable for social and economic welfare. • State owned enterprise does not have profit in mind rather then serving the nation by doing social and economic welfare. Therefore, State Owned Enterprise is more suitable for Social and Economic Welfare. My arguments in support to State Owned enterprise for social and economic welfare are given below:- Therefore, • Argument # 1: To be profitable is not the aim of this organization. Welfare to the people of the country is the aim of this organization. Such as - making employment for the unemployed people, economic growth of the country, provincial development etc. • Argument # 2: Though to be profitable is not the aim of state enterprise, as a business organization it gains profit. This kind of profit is Submission to the government fund and is spent for the welfare of the country and people. • Argument # 3: Generally government is the capital supplier of state enterprise: But in case of joint proprietorship, the government and people provide capital for the state enterprise. For social welfare, Government can supply huge capital...

Words: 453 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Welfare in Usa

...Welfare programs in USA Abstract This research will provide information regarding basic welfare programs in USA. Welfare state is a government that provides for the total well-beeing of its citizens and is akin to socialism. However, very few true welfare states exist. The United States is a good example of this as it provides some social insurance or entitlement programs to its citizens but does not espouse socialism. As socialism and democracy cannot go hand in hand, therefore, it is impossible for the United States to be one of the true welfare states. The United States does make efforts to provide for persons in need through a myriad of social service programs known as welfare. Welfare encompasses those government programs that provide benefits and economic assistance to no or low income Americans. It can also be defined as financial assistance to impoverished Americans which is supplied through the taxes paid by the working class. One of the main goals of welfare programs in USA is to improve the quality of life and living standards for the poor and underprivileged. Welfare help is usually extended to people groups other than just the poor and underprivileged such as the elderly, the disabled, students, and unpaid workers, such as mothers and caregivers Welfare programs available in the United States include: Medicaid, Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Head Start...

Words: 525 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Migration Towards Eu: Welfare Magnet

...Academic year 2014-2015 Migration towards Europe and the “welfare magnet”: “Determinants of Turkish Migration to EU-15” Master dissertation Student Kristýna Jedličková Home institution Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze Supervisor prof. Claire Naiditch Submission date September 2015 Acknowledgment I would like to express my sincerest thanks to prof. Claire Naiditch for her guidance, support, patience and valuable recommendations. Declaration of authorship I, Kristýna Jedličková hereby declare that the thesis Migration towards Europe and the “welfare magnet” was written by myself and that all presented results are my own, unless stated otherwise. The literature sources are listed in the Literature Review section. Prague, September 30th, 2015 ........................................................ Signature Key words Migration, welfare magnet, public social spending, inflows of migrants, EU’s migratory policy, European welfare system, Turkish welfare system, Turkey, EU-15, gravity model, fixed effect, random effect, Hausman test, country specific fixed effect, time specific fixed effect. Abstract The purpose of this thesis is to analyse which factors drive migration from Turkey towards Europe and whether the welfare benefits play a major role in the decision making process. The analysis is based on a gravitation model of migration in log-log form. The FE and RE methods were employed as estimation techniques and the Hausman test enabled to distinguish them. The present...

Words: 14837 - Pages: 60

Premium Essay

Preferential Healthcare

...only in Canada, but any country attempting to utilize their society to the fullest. I will argue that the welfare-state liberalistic approach is much better because it seeks to pool the resources of the many and regulate/distribute it to the few in dire need, hopefully resulting in a diminishing number of sick and homeless. I begin my essay by highlighting the importance and function of both the welfare state liberalist’s public heath care and the neoconservative private health care. My argument stands on the grounds that public healthcare in Canada is more tenable because it works for the common good of all people, regardless of socioeconomic class while also placing a primary focus on efficiency, instead of profitability. A viable counterargument is that most working people do not find it ‘fair’ to have their hard-earned money taken to support the lazy or poor(welfare), although in reality the vast majority of these ‘lazy’ poor people or those outside of a private healthcare system are not in the position out of free will. As we examine the positives and negatives of both systems it becomes increasingly apparent that as empathetic humans we all have a right to health and to equal opportunity to play our part in society. The welfare-state liberalist view, at its core, is a government that plays a pivotal role in the protection and promotion of the economic and social prosperity of the citizens. Equality, a concept that is seldom of concern for those in a typical neoconservative...

Words: 2547 - Pages: 11