Liberalism’s rapprochment with the Welfare State

This article surveys two different traditions in the history of European liberal thought about state provision of welfare. One tradition has been hostile to state welfare, seeing it as economically backward, liable to generate excessive state power, and as undermining the status of welfare recipients as full adult citizens, The other tradition has supported state welfare, as helping to create «social capital » , both stimulating and stabilising market economies, and enhancing citizen rights. Although liberal politicians rarely control governments, these two contrasting traditions of liberal political and social thought dominate social welfare debate in all western countries.Harris Jose. Liberalism’s rapprochment with the Welfare State. In: Mélanges de l'École française de Rome. Italie et Méditerranée, tome 114, n°2. 2002. La culture scientifique à Rome à la Renaissance. pp. 761-773