Repackaging the Welfare State

Book excerpt: Although the welfare state is unquestionably one of the noblest accomplishments of the 20th century, certain steps must be taken for its continued survival, including market participation and population planning. This path-breaking analysis of the welfare state examines the fundamental conflict existing in every modern industrial state between efforts to optimise efficiency and equality. Earlier studies of the welfare state relying on various single social science perspectives, led to disciplinary tunnel vision. This study corrects this myopia by offering an interdisciplinary approach to conceptualising a welfare state that balances a civil society, which provides caregiving to the vulnerable, with wealth-building activities.