Describe the residual and the institutional views of social welfare. Which do you believe is the better conception of social welfare, and why?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Currently, there are two conflicting views of the role of social welfare in our society. One of these roles has been termed residual-a gap-filling or first-aid role. This view holds that social welfare services should be provided only when an individual's needs are not properly met through other societal institutions, primarily the family and the market economy. According to the residual view, social services and financial aid should not be provided until all other measures or efforts have been exhausted, including the individual's and his or her family's resources. In addition, this view asserts that funds and services should be provided on a short-term basis (primarily during emergencies) and should be withdrawn when the individual or the family again becomes capable of being self-sufficient.
The residual view has been characterized as "charity for unfortunates." Funds and services are seen not as a right (something that one is entitled to) but as a gift, with the receiver having certain obligations; for example, to receive financial aid, recipients may be required to perform certain low-grade work assignments. Associated with the residual view is the belief that the causes of clients' difficulties are rooted in their own malfunctioning-that is, clients are to blame for their predicaments because of personal inadequacies, ill-advised activities, or sins. Conservatives generally advocate a residual approach to social welfare programs. They believe that dependency is a result of personal failure and that it is natural for inequality to exist among humans.
The opposing point of view, the institutional view, holds that social welfare programs are to be accepted as a proper, legitimate function of modern industrial society in helping individuals achieve self-fulfillment. Under this view, there is no stigma attached to receiving funds or services; recipients are viewed as being entitled to such help. Associated with this view is the belief that an individual's difficulties are due to causes largely beyond his or her control (for example, a person may be unemployed because of a lack of employment opportunities). When difficulties arise, causes are sought in the environment (society), and efforts are focused on improving the social institutions within which the individual functions. Liberals generally adhere to an institutional view of social welfare. They assert that because modern society has become so fragmented and complex and because traditional institutions have been unable to meet emerging human needs, few individuals can now function without the help of social services.