The New Social Question

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The welfare state faces significant international pressure due to slowing economic growth and declining public sector confidence. Influential social theorist Pierre Rosanvallon identifies a deeper, less recognized reason for this crisis: the traditional justification that all citizens share equal risks has been eroded by social and intellectual changes. To achieve the goals of social solidarity and civic equality, Rosanvallon asserts that we must radically rethink social programs. He begins by examining the history of the welfare state, emphasizing the founding premise that risks, particularly those of illness and unemployment, are equally distributed and unpredictable. This notion has become untenable due to economic diversification and advancements in risk analysis. It is now evident that some individuals face significantly greater risks based on their jobs and lifestyle choices. Consequently, Rosanvallon argues for more narrowly targeted social policies. Drawing on evidence from various countries, particularly France and the United States, he suggests that programs like unemployment insurance and workfare could better address individual needs by incorporating explicit contracts between benefit providers and recipients. His insights have far-reaching implications for welfare programs globally and challenge our understanding of citizenship in contemporary democracies and economies.