This book argues that the welfare state system should be adopted globally, not only for the purpose of achieving equality and justice within nations, but also for security between states. Using Finland, Sweden and Canada as case studies, it theorises that the welfare state system and the common security system, which are mutually reinforcing peace structures, should be utilised worldwide as the best method of attaining peace and prosperity. It demonstrates the feasibility of the welfare state in the past, whilst also showing how these historical experiences can be translated into socio-political action to address contemporary global challenges. Operating in the fields of political theory, international relations, and social philosophy, it will appeal to scholars and students of public policy, the welfare state, and sociology, as well as state policymakers.
Author(s): B. Vivekanandan
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 280
City: Cham
Foreword
Preface and Acknowledgements
Contents
About the Author
Chapter 1: The Perspective
Why a Welfare State and Common Security Vision?
The One World
The Advaita (Indivisibility)
Welfare State
A State-Centric System
Basic Features
A Steeply Progressive Income Tax
Public Sector Dominance
Social Integration
Why a Welfare State System?
A Conflict Preventing Mechanism
Full-Employment Policy
A System of Distributive Justice
A Higher Form of Social System
Globalisation and Its Impact
A Global Vision
Spread of Welfare State System
Europe Pointed the Way
In Scandinavia
In France
In Germany
In Britain
The US New Deal: Across the Atlantic
Canada
In Asia
India
Provisions in the Constitution
The Follow-Up
People’s Republic of China
Iron Rice Bowl System
The Dualism in China
A Widespread Phenomenon
Welfare States and Economic Crisis
The Best System
Employment Question
National Framework
Challenges Before Welfare States
Globalisation
Supranational Regional Structures
Demographic Change
Chapter 2: Swedish Welfare State Model
Folkhemmet
The Programme
The Great Depression and After
SDP Governments’ Social Policy
Insurance Schemes
Social Services
Social Security System
Medical Care
Employment Policy
Provider and Regulator
Female Employment
Progressive Income-Tax Rate
Elderly Care
Child Care
Best Model for Emulation
Cradle-to-the-Grave Welfare State System
National Social Insurance Board
Full-Employment Policy
Egalitarian Income Distribution
Housing
The Preventive Social Policy
Effects of Full Employment
Distributive Justice
Equality
Social and Economic Equality
Employee Investment Funds
Reform Method
The Most Advanced Welfare State
A Prosperous and Contented Society
Crisis in 1990s
The Impact
Welfare State System the Best
National Frame Should Transcend
Inter-Continental Solidarity
Chapter 3: Welfare State System in Finland
Introduction
Evolution of Finland’s Welfare State System
Construction of Welfare State in 1960s
Texture of Finnish Welfare State
Social Security Schemes
Pensions
Social Insurance Schemes
Social Assistance
Education and Healthcare
Women’s and Children’s Care
Centrality of a Strong Benevolent State
Challenges and Responses
Economic Crisis of 1990s
Role of Banks in Finland
Deregulation and Credit Expansion
Consequences of Deregulation
An Avoidable Crisis
Role of Bureaucracy
In the Vortex of Economic Crisis
Rise in Unemployment
Job Insecurity
Widening of Income Inequality
Impact of Crisis on Welfare State
Change in Legal Responsibility for Employment
Healthcare
Social Expenditure and Public Debt
Burdening the Labour
Change in State-Municipality Relationship
Block Grant System
Impact on Social Assistance
Some Restructuring
Towards the Fringe of Workfare
Insecure New Jobs
Globalisation and Liberalisation
European Union
Demographic Change
Employment Question
Whither Finnish Welfare State?
Impediments
A Positive Lesson
Has the System Changed Fundamentally?
Pekkarinen Commission
Chapter 4: Welfare State System in Canada
Introduction
The Marsh Report
The Heagerty Report
Royal Commission Report
Welfare State Reforms in 1960s
Social Legislations
Texture of Canada’s Welfare State
Social Services
Social Security System
Unemployment Insurance
Child Benefits
Old-Age Pensions
Senior’s Benefits
Canada Assistance Plan (CAP)
Canada Health and Social Transfer
Housing Assistance
Attacks on the Welfare State
Wealthy Banker’s Wife and Shooting the Hippo
The Recession
Changing Welfare State
Constraints
The Clawback
Stealth Attacks
Privatisation
Changing Pension System
Demographic Change
Poverty Levels
Cuts in Social Spending
Following the US Model
Current Debate
Findings of National Council of Welfare
Popular Support for Universalism
Conclusion
Chapter 5: Common Security
Inadequate Super Structures
Nation States and Balance of Power
Deterrence Doctrine
How the Doctrine Worked
Search for Alternative
Common Security Doctrine
Genesis of Common Security
The Core of Common Security
Impact of Hiroshima
Palme Commission
Palme’s Perception
Arms Trade
Palme Commission Report on Common Security
Concept of Common Security
Nitty-Gritty of Common Security
Basic Principles
Economic and Social Consequences
Supporters of Common Security
Sequence of the Process
No Unilateral Action
End to Arms Competition
Palme’s Vision
Solidarity-Based Political Relationship
The Significance
Chapter 6: Scandinavian/Nordic Welfare States: An Approximate International Peace and Security Model
Political Alliances
Larger Agenda
Full Employment
A Strong Central State
Expansion of Social Rights
Recession and Its Impact
Nordic System Vis-à-Vis the Soviet System
Demographic Change
Hiatus with EU Policy
Technology and Jobs
Achievements
Pivotal Role of Government
Tawney’s Perception
International Impact
Impact on Soviet Union
A Model Region of International Peace
Social Impact
Regional Model of Common Security
Mahatma Gandhi’s Prescription
Chapter 7: The Way Ahead
The Nation State System
Need of Complementary Peace Structures
Welfare State Provisions in Human Rights Declaration
Welfare State: A National Enterprise
Expert Reports on Welfare States
A Dynamic System
Income Transfer
Universalism
Equality and Inequality
Excellence of Welfare State System
Caring for, and Sharing with All
A Shrinking World
Women and Welfare State
Humanising Impact
Change in the Scandinavian Ethos
Social Rights
Widening of the Agenda
Hurdles on the Way
Structural Adjustment Programme
Privatisation
Elderly Care
For a Successful Welfare State
Joakim Palme’s Stipulations
Common Security System
Global Military Spending
Global Security Architecture Needs Change
Arms Trade
Corruption in Arms Trade
Deterrence Doctrine
Common Security Doctrine
The Arguments
No Unilateralism
Interlocking Restraints and Joint Survival
The Methodology
Economic Dimension
Common Security and Developing Countries
Common Security: A Facet of International Solidarity
Regional Conferences
Welfare State and Common Security
Scandinavia: A Laboratory
Mutually Reinforcing
Not Utopian
A Wind of Change
Bernie Sanders’ Vision
Bibliography
Index
