welfare state

noun

1. a state in which the welfare of the people in such matters as social security, health and education, housing, and working conditions is the responsibility of the government.

welfare state

noun

1. a system in which the government undertakes the chief responsibility for providing for the social and economic security of its population, usually through unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, and other social-security measures
2. a social system characterized by such policies

welfare state

¹

1. A state or government that promotes public welfare through programs of public health, pensions , unemployment compensation , public housing, and the like. The expression welfare state is often used by those hostile to government intervention in these areas.

welfare state

²

1. An economic system that combines features of capitalism and socialism by retaining private ownership while the government enacts broad programs of social welfare, such as pensions and public housing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of welfare state¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Americans who have had their run-ins with the health insurance industry, never mind our own inadequate welfare state, won’t have trouble feeling indignation.

From Los Angeles Times

He told Labour activists: "If we want to maintain support for the welfare state, then we will legislate to stop benefit fraud, do everything we can to tackle worklessness."

From BBC

Public consent for the welfare state requires legislation to stop benefit fraud.

From BBC

Democrats want to expand the welfare state so that our social insurance system would look more like Europe’s.

From Salon

His neighbors in Middletown had lost – thanks to the welfare state – “the tie that bound them to their neighbors, that inspired them in the way my patriotism had always inspired me.”

From Salon

Related Words

• social democracy