Description

The provision of welfare has been a politically controversial issue. Debates on the subject intensified in the 1980s as some western governments reduced programs which had enabled many of their citizens′ needs to be met. Needs and Welfare explores the concept of need and how needs can be, and are, met in western societies. The contributors first look at the major theoretical traditions underlying the provision of welfare and contrast absolute needs with relative needs. Then, they examine welfare provision by the state and citizens′ rights to welfare. The final section focuses on the other side of the welfare issue--provision of welfare by private and voluntary organizations. An interesting discussion of different models of welfare provision and two case studies provide valuable insight into the provision of welfare in advanced industrial western states.