In recent years, people interested in Christian social thought have begun to express reservations about the welfare state. Concerns have come from the left (for example, Frank Field and Maurice Glasman), from those supportive of a market economy, and from those whose political or economic philosophy cannot easily be categorized. Furthermore, interesting questions have been raised by the last three popes about what might be called a "welfare mentality." While this talk may lean towards a position which suggests a reduced role for the state in the provision of welfare, the important point is that which has been stressed especially by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis—the need to ensure that systems of welfare provision really do involve fraternity and a close relationship between those in need and those who are providing support. Welfare mechanisms cannot simply involve the provision of services or money.
In this talk, Philip Booth discussed how James Bartholomew’s The Welfare State We're In (2004) provides a detailed history of welfare before the welfare state, helping to inform our discussions about promoting fraternity, genuine solidarity, and subsidiarity in the provision of welfare.
This event was sponsored by the Future of the Humanities Project and the Georgetown Humanities Initiative at Georgetown University with Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. It is part of the series Cultural Encounters: Books that Have Made a Difference.
