Welfare State

In this usage of “state,” we’re talking about the organized political government that controls how society is governed. The welfare state is a type of governing that uses economic and social policies in attempt to influence the welfare of the people for the better. Rather than a wild, wild west type of world where you’re on your own, a welfare state tries to take care of its people.

That’s not to say those that are pro-welfare-state are looking to give less-talented, less-motivated, less-lucky people free handouts. Rather, a welfare state often includes principles of equal opportunity, equal distribution of public goods, public responsibility for those who can’t fend for themselves, and more equitable distribution of wealth. While many countries use measures like GDP to compare how “advanced” countries are, some people like to instead compare countries by their rates of homelessness, access to affordable and adequate healthcare, and the income gap.

Some examples of how the U.S runs a welfare state: Social Security, disability insurance, and public schools. That being said, a welfare state is more of a spectrum than a black-and-white sort of thing. Most European countries are farther down the welfare state scale, providing more equality to their citizens, more free public services (like universal healthcare), and reduced homelessness at the price of higher taxes.

Heard the “welfare state” as a dirty word? We have, too. That’s because some people think that welfare state policies go too far, i.e. incentivizing people to not work, rather than helping them when they can’t. High unemployment is never good for those who are governing; The People like to be busy. Yet, a welfare state to support a large proportion of the population means that money must come from somewhere, which means those who do have money will need to be heavily taxed.

When the robots come, things get more...intense.