The Relevance of the Modern Welfare State

"The term 'welfare state' has such a pleasing sound that it has become a bit like motherhood or apple pie" (Disney, 2002:viii). As Helen Disney implies in this statement the ideas of the welfare state are very appealing to individuals around the world. The need to help the sick, elderly, disabled and unemployed are top priorities to citizens who want a moral government. This moral government is one that cares for its citizens and that put tax dollars towards the care of the most downtrodden of society. The modern welfare state was implemented during the economic and political downfall…