Single Idea 20097

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 8. Socialism]

Full Idea

In the classical liberal tradition freedom meant freedom from external control, and equality meant equality before the law. In the welfare state (of Beatrice Webb) freedom was reinterpreted as freedom from want, and equality as equality of opportunity.

Gist of Idea

The welfare state aims at freedom from want, and equality of opportunity

Source

Micklethwait,J/Wooldridge,A (The Fourth Revolution [2014], 3)

Book Reference

Micklethwait/Wooldridge: 'The Fourth Revolution' [Penguin 2014], p.69


A Reaction

The authors call this the 'third revolution' in government, after 17th century centralisation and early 19th century accountability. Tawney 1931 is the key text.