Social Welfare

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses how individual behavior plays a major role in accepting the system of social protection and compensation. The paper shows how when the state takes on the obligation of being the main social protection provider, it can prove to be rather risky for any economic system. The paper explains that it is difficult to consider what would be a favorable political philosophy concerning social welfare. The paper suggests that each political administration should focus their social policy on the immediate and medium term needs of the society. At the same time, it should not disregard any of the social segments in need of help and should respect, above all, basic human rights.

From the Paper:

"Baruch Spinoza once affirmed that "Man is a social animal", thus he cannot live outside the social ring that such an environment creates. By giving away part of his natural freedom and entrusting a distinctive authority to govern its interest, man had signed the social contract and established the state. However, politics has most often played a part in determining the actions of this authority. Despite a democratic system, some measures which otherwise would ensure a higher protection of fundamental rights, can be weakened by more liberal measures or less orientated towards the well being of the man. These are motivated by increased attempts to create conditions for a more independent social individual. Different doctrines implement various actions, some at opposing ends of the social security system. It may be thus necessary for a combination of both economic measures which would ensure the graduate transformation of the society, but at the same time, offer relief for those who cannot support themselves."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Gaus, G. C, & Shane, D. (2003). Liberalism. In E. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy . Retrieved 4 May 2006, from <http://plato.stanford.edu/archives/win2003/entries/liberalism/>.
• Price, H. B. (April 10, 2006). Transitioning Ex-Offenders into Jobs and Society. Washington Post. Retrieved 4 May 2006, from The Brooking Institute Web Site < http://www.brook.edu/views/op-ed/20060410price.htm>
• Social Security Agency (n.d.). Historical development. Retrieved 4 May 2006, from the US Social Security Administration Web Site<http://www.ssa.gov/history/pdf/histdev.pdf>
• Welfare. (2001). Retrieved 4May 2006 from The National Center for Policy Analysis Web Site < http://www.ncpa.org/pi/welfare/wel46.htm>

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• Essay # 74505 : "Social Welfare: Changing Concepts in the U.K."

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