comparative politics
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

concepts
type: Collection
type: ConceptGroup
member: welfare state

economics of poverty
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

government (political science)
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

liberal theory
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

libertarianism and policy
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

modern political theory
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

nation and state
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

political economy
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

poverty and social class
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

social welfare philosophy
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

sociology of governance
type: Concept
narrower: welfare state

welfare state
type: Concept
broader: social welfare philosophy
broader: sociology of governance
broader: economics of poverty
broader: nation and state
broader: liberal theory
broader: poverty and social class
broader: government (political science)
broader: comparative politics
broader: modern political theory
broader: libertarianism and policy
broader: political economy
definition: 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]