welfare state
a state in which the welfare of its citizens, with regard to employment, medical care, social security, etc., is considered to be the responsibility of the government
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noun
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th edition Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.- A social system whereby the state assumes primary responsibility for the welfare of its citizens, as in matters of health care, education, employment, and social security.
- A nation in which such a system operates.
welfare state - Business Definition
The term used to describe the result of a social policy in which government assumes responsibility for the welfare of its citizens. The degree of responsibility can vary but generally includes retirement income, health insurance or care, and employment assistance. A welfare state is accompanied by high tax rates to provide funding for government services.
welfare state - Cultural Definition
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.
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.