A Welfare System and Its Challenges

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Introduction
Merriam Webster defines ‘Welfare system’ as, ” a social system in which a government is responsible for the economic and social welfare of its citizens and has policies to provide free health care, money for people without jobs, etc.; also : a country that has such a system.”
(Webster, 1964)
Started after the Industrial revolution, the notion of a welfare state is of providing its citizens with economic and social-wellbeing; the state safeguards the basic necessities such as health, education and human rights. In the 21st century, welfare states are facing challenges due to lack of resources and consequently an ambiguous sustainable development. The fact that a large amount of economy is contributed to the welfare causes lesser chances of generating revenue. On the other hand, welfare states also benefit the people even on the grass-root level; they help the helpless and also provide them with a substantial lifestyle. Nevertheless, the welfare state system does face challenges either way.
Challenges for the welfare states in 21st century:
One of the most known welfare state systems in the world is of Nordic countries that comprise the North Atlantic and the North Europe. These include Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Norway. The countries of Nordic model have some common features, such as social system and history. The Nordic model accentuates the concepts such as social cohesion, egalitarianism and security for all its citizens. It also acknowledges the vulnerable and socially challenged people of a society and helps them. Other than that, health issues, gender equality and services for the senior citizens are also catered by this model.
The Scandinavian model (comprising the North Europe; Norway and Swe...

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...lue of future revenues equals the present value of expenditures at the initial debt level; it is necessary to permanently increase taxes.”
(M.Anderson, 2004)

Conclusion
Although the welfare state system has worked immensely in providing and establishing a substantial life to people, yet it has some ambiguities at times and it does face challenges due to the different policies and territories it is based in.
I assume that in the 21st century, many people are increasingly becoming disinclined towards the concept of welfare state. They are vociferously opposing the phenomenon on ideological grounds. It is a great service for welfare citizens, on one hand but on the other, it is also a hassle for them to pay high taxes. This does not imply that there should not be any welfare states at all but the places that have adopted the models are also finding it challenging.

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