The Intelligence from The Economist Casting the net wider: remaking the welfare state
Mar 12, 2021
Sasha Nauta, Public policy editor for The Economist, discusses the need for a more flexible welfare state in light of recent economic crises. Charlie McCann, an economist based in Singapore, emphasizes the vital role of human connection and its impact on health, tackling the emotional void left by isolation during the pandemic. They explore innovative approaches to rethinking government support, the concept of 'skin hunger,' and the importance of physical touch as essential to well-being.
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Chef's Relief
- Margaret Hope, a self-employed chef, was initially panicked when the pandemic hit, fearing for her survival.
- Unlike a previous crisis, the Canadian government's COVID relief included the self-employed, giving her financial aid.
Shifting Risk
- The pandemic prompted increased government intervention, shifting risk from individuals to the state.
- This contrasts with past decades' trend of offloading risks like job displacement onto individuals.
Welfare State Origins
- The welfare state model originated in the early 20th century, triggered by the Great Depression and WWII.
- It aimed to provide social security and address collective risks.
