Final answer:
The welfare state exists to protect and support the vulnerable in society by providing financial aid, social resources, and maintaining order. It is justified on moral grounds and through ideologies that prioritize equality and social justice, with an emphasis on the state’s role in safeguarding against exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions of a welfare state are to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable members of society. This includes providing direct monetary support to those in poverty, as it is viewed as a responsibility of the state to protect the interests of people who cannot protect themselves. Another function is to provide social resources such as healthcare, education, and housing to ensure the well-being of its citizens. Additionally, the welfare state has a role in enforcing coercive control and maintaining legitimacy through the implementation of laws and social policies.
Moralistic views on the state support the idea that government should intervene to promote the general welfare, and this is seen in policies that allocate funds to programs for the poor and in advocacy for programs that benefit marginal citizens. Influences of Marxist ideology can also be seen in welfare states, where the distribution of resources is managed by the state on the basis of need, aligning with the concept of providing justice and legitimizing political authority.
Arguments for the welfare state emphasize the need to maintain protections necessary for the vulnerable, with the state acting as the 'backup to the backup' for family and charity. It is argued that society has special obligations, some voluntary and some not, to support those in need. This is manifest in the legal entitlement to assistance for vulnerable individuals.