國家在保護和提高其公民的經濟福利和社會福利方面發揮主要作用的一種政治體制概念。福利國家的概念基於下述各原則︰機會均等、財富公平分配以及對於收入過低、生活困難的公共責任。這個名詞包含多種經濟的和社會的組織。福利國家的一個基本特點是推行社會保險，以提供某個時期最大的需要（如老年、疾病、失業）。它通常還提供了包括基礎教育、保健服務以及住房等方面的公益救助措施。在這方面，西歐各國實施的福利國家計畫，其規模要比美國為大。此種情況可見於多種範疇，包括廣泛的健康保險專案和政府補助的高等教育助學金。社會主義各國的福利國家計畫包括就業和對消費品價格的管理。20世紀時自由放任主義的概念逐漸沒落，幾乎所有國家都設法制訂與福利國家有關的某些保險措施。1948年英國所採取的範圍廣泛的社會保險措施、美國的新政和良政的社會政策，都是以福利國家的原則為基礎的。斯堪的那維亞各國則是由國家為個人提供的資助幾乎貫穿其生活的各個時期。
welfare state
Concept of government in which the state plays a key role in protecting and promoting the economic and social well-being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equitable distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those who lack the minimal provisions for a good life. The term may be applied to a variety of forms of economic and social organization. A basic feature of the welfare state is social insurance, intended to provide benefits during periods of greatest need (e.g., old age, illness, unemployment). The welfare state also usually includes public provision of education, health services, and housing. Such provisions are less extensive in the U.S. than in Western Europe, where comprehensive health coverage and state-subsidized university-level education are common. In socialist countries the welfare state also covers employment and administration of consumer prices. As the concept of laissez-faire declined in popularity in the 20th century, most nations instituted at least some of the measures associated with the welfare state. Britain adopted comprehensive social insurance in 1948, and in the U.S., social-legislation programs such as the New Deal and the Fair Deal were based on welfare-state principles. Scandinavian countries provide state aid for the individual in almost all phases of life.
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