The welfare state models in contemporary culture tradition

Abstract

“Welfare state” conception is commonly used in different ways. This is the ground of conceptual complexity in many cases. We intend to determine and discuss the main concepts of welfare state models in this article and hope to reach a better understanding in controversy between different political opinions. Three models of welfare state are considered as the most significant visions of welfare in our article. The first model is the Libertarian theory of procedural welfare in which the liberty, the free enterprise systems and the private property are the main means to reach the welfare. The second paternalistic model of distributive welfare, which is popular in the Nordic countries, is associated with the social-democratic political doctrine. We pointed out the logical inconsistency of the latter model. However, this one is normally associated with the welfare state. The third model of welfare state is associated with the Christian social teaching, although the main principles of this model were formulated by Aristotle. This model is based on the common good (bonum commune) as the end of state activity conception. Externally it is similar to the distributive model of welfare state, but it is entirely different at its core. We will call this model the purposive model of welfare. It is logically consistent, although hardly acceptable for its philosophical principles.