While the concept of "welfare state" is as old as Ashoka's reign, it is only in modern times that it has received renewed favour. In modern times many European countries such as Germany, Finland, Sweden, Norway, France, Belgium etc. have been classified as welfare states. In these countries government looks after health care and education and takes steps to bring down inequality among the people as well as root out poverty and unemployment.
Surely, this is a laudable, kind-hearted thing to do? Tom G Palmer's edited book After the Welfare State (2012) points out that there are dangers and misconceptions lurking behind this idealistic vision.
Surely, this is a laudable, kind-hearted thing to do? Tom G Palmer's edited book After the Welfare State (2012) points out that there are dangers and misconceptions lurking behind this idealistic vision.
