comparative politics
concepts
economics of poverty
government (political science)
liberal theory
libertarianism and policy
modern political theory
nation and state
political economy
poverty and social class
social welfare philosophy
sociology of governance
The foundation of the welfare state is the idea that the state has an obligation to all its citizens to protect their well-being and this cannot be left to individuals, private organisations or the local community. Welfare states typically use taxation and compulsory insurance schemes to protect against poverty with unemployment benefits, sickness benefits, old age pensions and income support schemes for the very poorly-paid, and to provide free education, medical care and public housing. [Source: The SAGE Dictionary of Sociology; Welfare State]
welfare state