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James Bartholomew’s The Welfare State We’re In
21st October 2024: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm BST
In recent years, people interested in Christian social thought have begun to express reservations about the welfare state. Concerns have come from the left (for example, Frank Field and Maurice Glasman), from those supportive of a market economy, and from those whose political or economic philosophy cannot easily be categorized. Furthermore, interesting questions have been raised by the last three popes about what might be called a “welfare mentality.” While this talk may lean towards a position which suggests a reduced role for the state in the provision of welfare, the important point is that which has been stressed especially by Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis—the need to ensure that systems of welfare provision really do involve fraternity and a close relationship between those in need and those who are providing support. Welfare mechanisms cannot simply involve the provision of services or money.
In this talk, Philip Booth will discuss how James Bartholomew’s The Welfare State We’re In (2004) provides a detailed history of welfare before the welfare state, helping to inform our discussions about promoting fraternity, genuine solidarity, and subsidiarity in the provision of welfare.
This event is sponsored by the Future of the Humanities Project and Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. It is part of the year-long series, Cultural Encounters: Books that Have Made a Difference.
Online. Free and open to all. Registration is required.
Philip Booth is director of Catholic mission and professor of finance, public policy, and ethics at St. Mary’s University in Twickenham, London. He is also director of policy and research for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales. Prior to this, he served as director of research and public engagement and dean of the Faculty of Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences at St. Mary’s University. Booth is also a fellow of the Royal Statistical Society and of the Institute of Actuaries.
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Contact:
Las Casas Institute with Georgetown University
lascasas@bfriars.ox.ac.uk