Welfare approach
Topic: Human Development: Concept, Approaches and Measurement · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 3 "Human Development"
Meaning
The welfare approach sees people as beneficiaries, or targets, of development. It calls for higher government spending on education, health, social security and amenities (basic facilities such as roads and water). The government is responsible for raising human development by spending more on welfare. People are passive recipients, not active participants in decisions.
Example
Free government schools and hospitals, and pensions for the elderly, are typical welfare measures in Indian states. In all of them, the state provides and the people receive.
Don't confuse with
- Capability approach: the welfare approach makes people passive receivers. The capability approach treats them as agents who build their own abilities and make choices.
- Basic needs approach: the basic needs approach lists six specific needs for defined groups. The welfare approach asks for more spending on welfare in general.