A welfare state is a type of government that is responsible for its citizens basic social and economic security. The welfare state is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions of a good life. The following are some of the functions performed by a welfare state:
Compulsory Functions:
- Providing basic economic security for its citizens by protecting them from market risks associated with old age, unemployment, disability, and poverty.
- Ensuring free primary health care to citizens through government healthcare facilities.
- Providing free education for all, or at least up to a certain level.
- Offering pensions, particularly for government employees and people above sixty or disabled, which is common in most countries.
Optional Functions:
- Environmental protection: The state formulates and implements necessary policies, laws, and programs for environmental protection.
- Moral reform: The state welfare activities help citizens in need and therefore it teaches them humanity and moral values.
- Social transformation: The welfare state acts as an important agency of social transformation by carrying out functions such as providing social security, reducing poverty, and promoting equality.
- Employment and administration of consumer prices in socialist countries.
The activities of present-day welfare states extend to the provision of both cash welfare benefits (such as old-age pensions or unemployment benefits) and in-kind welfare services (such as health or childcare services) . Through these provisions, welfare states can affect the distribution of well-being and personal autonomy among their citizens, as well as influencing how their citizens consume and how they spend their time.
