There are several theoretical perspectives on social welfare that have been developed by scholars and theorists over the years. These perspectives differ in their assumptions about human nature, the role of government, and the appropriate ways to address social problems. Some of the major perspectives are outlined below:
Conservative perspective: This perspective emphasizes individual responsibility and self-reliance, and is skeptical of government intervention in social welfare. Conservatives believe that government programs create dependency and discourage people from taking responsibility for their own lives. They argue that private charity and voluntary organizations are better suited to address social problems.
Liberal perspective: This perspective emphasizes the importance of government intervention in social welfare to promote equality and social justice. Liberals believe that individuals have a right to certain basic needs, such as healthcare, education, and housing, and that government has a responsibility to provide these services. They argue that government programs can help level the playing field and provide opportunities for all members of society.
Socialist perspective: This perspective views social welfare as a fundamental right that should be guaranteed by the government. Socialists believe that the state should control the means of production and distribution of goods and services, and that social welfare programs should be based on the principle of need rather than merit. They argue that a socialist system can create a more equal and just society.
Feminist perspective: This perspective emphasizes the gendered nature of social welfare and the importance of addressing the unique needs of women. Feminists argue that traditional social welfare programs have been designed from a male perspective and have ignored the needs of women and their roles as caregivers. They advocate for policies that recognize the value of caregiving and address the social and economic inequalities that women face.
Critical perspective: This perspective views social welfare as a product of the larger political and economic systems in which it exists. Critical theorists argue that social welfare programs are often used to maintain the status quo and reinforce existing power structures. They advocate for a more radical approach that challenges the underlying assumptions of the system and seeks to create more fundamental change.