The welfare state as a type of social structure was formed by the mid-60s of the last century. The decisive influence on the emergence of such a structure was exerted by the Soviet Union. In the current historical period, there has been a tendency for a gradual rejection of the results achieved.
Fundamentals of the functioning of the welfare state
To reveal the meaning of the term "welfare state", it is enough to cite a few provisions from the Constitution of Ireland. Such a public entity should support the well-being of the entire population. Protect and secure the social order. Justice and charity are designed to motivate and stimulate all the institutions of the state structure to be active. It is important to emphasize that the policy in such a country is aimed at ensuring well-defined conditions and opportunities.
What are these conditions? And so that citizens have the opportunity, using their labor, to provide their basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. In the Republic of Ireland, property, natural and material resources are distributed among private owners and various groups of the population in a way that promotes the common good. This means that there are no so-called oligarchs in the country who are “mad with fat” and poor people, literally starving. At the same time, the state should support and stimulate private entrepreneurship.
The welfare state, through its institutions, must protect its population from excessive and unjust exploitation. Another important function is the protection of the economic interests of the weak strata of society. Mandatory participation in support of disabled people, orphans, widows and senior citizens. The state is obliged to systematically monitor the situation in the economy so that citizens are not forced to engage in activities that they cannot afford due to their physical condition, age and gender. The Irish remember well how, in the 19th century, the British recruited children to work in mines and mines as early as the age of seven.
Real situation
In order to consolidate the above, it is necessary to recall the main functions of the welfare state:
1. Redistribution of national wealth in favor of the poor;
2. Provision of employment and protection of the worker's rights at work;
3. Support for family and motherhood;
4. Caring for the elderly, unemployed, orphans and disabled people;
5. Maintaining accessible health, education and culture for all;
6. Creation of a social insurance system.
Even Article 7 of the Russian Constitution contains all of the above provisions. They have been written down, but the authorities are not always concerned about the implementation of these wishes. A striking example of this is the recently adopted law on raising the retirement age. Who cares about it?
Experts and analysts already in the mid-90s noted that the social sphere in the so-called civilized countries began to "shrink". Transnational corporations do not need the state as such. And all the more focused on protecting their population. It is important to note that both in the countries of the European Union and in the United States, the working conditions of employees are becoming more stringent. In Russia, a powerful movement continues for the elimination of the basic institutions of social protection of the population. How this process will end, time will tell.
