Single Idea 22832

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 3. Welfare provision]

Full Idea

The welfare state provides the background conditions under which it is reasonable to expect one's fellow citizens to commit to liberal principles of interaction, even if those conditions can only be achieved through a degree of compulsion.

Gist of Idea

Welfare is needed if citizens are to accept the obligations of a liberal state

Source

John Charvet (Liberalism: the basics [2019], 05)

Book Reference

Charvet,John: 'Liberalism: the basics' [Routledge 2019], p.48


A Reaction

You cannot expect people to accept the role of 'free' citizen if that is likely to result in swift misery. A liberal state will only command loyalty if it has a safety net. Fully committed liberalism implies modest socialism.