Social Welfare Thought -- Social Work Series

Author: Chen Hongxia
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: The book "Social Welfare Thought" was written by Professor Chen Hongxia from the Department of Sociology at Nanjing Normal University. It is one of the books in the "Social Work Series." Social welfare thought encompasses various aspects of people's livelihoods, including the assistance for special groups, labor and employment security, disaster prevention and relief, preferential treatment for military personnel, social wealth distribution, education, housing, and more. Different historical periods, countries, and regions reflect different social welfare thoughts. To accurately understand a specific welfare thought, it must be placed within its specific social context. "Social Welfare Thought" traces the emergence, development, and evolution of major social welfare thoughts in ancient (including China, ancient Rome, ancient Greece), medieval, modern, and contemporary periods, following the clues of representative figures and schools of thought in each historical era. The author points out that industrialization and modernization have profoundly transformed traditional social welfare models. The social risks brought by mass production have been increasing, while the ability of individuals and traditional organizations to bear and resolve risks has been declining. It has become increasingly important and urgent to establish and improve social rescue and social security systems that are jointly supported by social forces. After World War II, both capitalist and socialist countries expanded and refined their welfare systems, consolidating public social service systems dominated by government power. From a capitalist economy that believed in the market and laissez-faire to a welfare system with state intervention and comprehensive guarantees, the development of social welfare has undergone a process from the market to the state. The development process of social welfare worldwide provides important insights for the construction of China's welfare system. China's social welfare system should align with the level of economic and social development and prioritize the interests of all members of society. This book can serve as a textbook for college and university students and also as a reference for professionals engaged in social work.