The Class Struggle and Welfare - by David Matthews

Book Synopsis

A fresh look on the welfare system--with a view beyond the state

With The Class Struggle and Welfare, David Matthews argues that we must understand the welfare state as a dialectical phenomenon--a product of class struggle. Confronting the hypocritical rhetoric of politicians who castigate welfare beneficiaries as lazy and "workshy," Matthews points to clear evidence that the welfare state is essential to the prosperity and health of capitalist economies. At the same time, in the Marxist tradition, Matthews moves well beyond an analysis of welfare as simply an instrument wielded by capitalism for its benefit, arguing that proof of the class struggle scars the surface of every welfare system.

With chapters focusing on welfare issues, including social security, health, disability, housing, and education, Matthews examines historical and current developments in Britain as a basis for a wider understanding of the relationship between capitalism and welfare. The Class Struggle and Welfare shows that as welfare states grew exponentially throughout the advanced capitalist world over the course of a century, the intents, purposes and perceptions of the institution of welfare underwent a dialectical transformation. On the one hand, the services offered served to bolster capitalism. On the other hand, welfare systems in and of themselves were born of class struggle. In turn, even as current welfare systems reflect the values and the needs of the capitalist arena, the influence and imprint of the working class is plain to see. The Class Struggle and Welfare ultimately looks to the future, arguing that the working class must consider an alternative type of welfare system--one which looks beyond the state and truly reflects the values of equality, solidarity, and community.

Review Quotes

"This superb book provides the most illuminating analysis of welfare and the welfare state to appear in decades. David Matthews brilliantly analyzes the contradictory and dialectic character of welfare programs under capitalism, as they provide limited services while continuing to exploit and stigmatize poor and working people. Such profound insights emerge partly from the author's own experiences growing up in a family that depended on public welfare. The book concludes hopefully, as Matthews describes a transformed, post-capitalist welfare system based on local solidarity, mutual aid, and love."-- "Howard Waitzkin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Health Sciences and Sociology, University of New Mexico"