Why does the welfare state go paired with a strong democracy?

Why does the welfare state go paired with a strong democracy?

Often, the "welfare state" is attacked as burdening the budget.

Or is it a policy that makes people too dependent on the state?

But considering the political history of a stable democratic country,

One obvious pattern will be found.

Strong democracies often grow in tandem with the welfare state. [1]

Not because the state is kind.

But because welfare is a "democratic support structure,"

Democracy needs people who are "not afraid of tomorrow."

At the heart of democracy is participation.

But participation relies on "minimum stability in life." [2]

If the people

• Fear of illness and bankruptcy

• Fear of losing his job and never returning

• Fear of old and unsecured

Questioning State Power or Politics

Will become a risk that many people are not ready to take.

So the welfare state doesn't just help with the abdomen.

But it unlocks the fear that makes people not politically sound.

From civil rights to social rights.

Political scientists like T.H.Marshall propose that

There are 3 layers of democratic development [3].

1. Civil Rights

2. Political Rights

3. Social Rights

If democracy only had elections,

But there are no guarantees for education, health and income.

Political rights will be exercised on a limited basis.

Especially among the poor and vulnerable.

Foreign Case Studies: Welfare vs. Political Stability

Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway

It is often quoted as an example of a strong welfare state.

Coupled with a high level of democracy and transparency.

The interesting thing is,

These countries have

• Low political conflict

• High confidence in State institutions

• And continued political participation [4]

The welfare state does not make citizens "motionless."

But make them confident enough to continue to contribute.

Welfare reduces unfair bargaining power.

In a society without welfare,

Bargaining power is often tilted towards

• Employer

• Capital Group

• Or state authority

Because people don't have a "spare choice." [5]

The welfare state acts as a

Safety Net

That makes people

• Dare to change jobs

• Dare to deny exploitation

• And dare to complain of unfairness.

This is directly linked to the subduing of corruptions.

Because people who are not squeezed until after hitting the lid

Likely not to succumb to a simple cheating system.

Welfare does not make people lazy, but makes them brave.

A common allegation is that

The welfare state keeps people from working.

But data from the OECD shows

A country with strong welfare.

Instead, there is a high rate of participation in the labour market [6].

The reason is

When the underlying risk is reduced,

People will dare

• Learn new skills

• Start a business

• And innovate

Welfare is therefore not a "giveaway."

It is the diversification of society.

Democracy without welfare = fragile democracy

Many countries where democracy has regressed.

Often facing common problems is

• High disparity

• Life insecurity

• And distrust of the state [7]

When the public feels

The political system does not answer real life problems.

The space for authoritative populism will be immediately open.

The welfare state is therefore not the enemy of democracy.

It is a defense against regression.

Good welfare must come with transparency.

Of course, the welfare state will work.

Only if the state is transparent and corrupt-free.

Otherwise, welfare will become

• Sound buying tools

• Or the channel leaked the budget.

This is why democratic countries are strong.

Often walk in three things

Welfare - Transparency - Monitoring

If democracy is to be sustainable, people's lives must be stable.

Democracy cannot be relied on.

Just an ideology or political rules.

It depends on the quality of life of most people.

The welfare state is one of the key mechanisms.

That makes people

Not just "entitled."

But really have the power to exercise that right.