Canadian Welfare State History

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Questions and Answers

What economic theory supports minimal government intervention in the economy?

Keynesian Economics

Laissez-faire (correct)

Mercantilism

Socialism

What key event is associated with the rapid increase in social welfare acceptance?

The Industrial Revolution

The Regina Riot

World War 1 (correct)

The Great Depression

Which economic framework is characterized by government measures to prevent economic crises?

Keynesian Economics (correct)

Neoliberalism

Mercantilism

Laissez-faire

What was a significant change in the welfare state from 1945 to the 1970s?

Expansion of social programs Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the Great Depression highlighted in the content?

Formation of organized protests by unemployed men Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was created to handle the rules of trade between nations?

World Trade Organization Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the criticisms related to the consequences of globalization?

Loss of stable, well-paying jobs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major player in globalization?

World Wildlife Fund Signup and view all the answers

Which ideology prioritizes social development as its primary focus?

Social democracy Signup and view all the answers

What has been a significant change in civil society attributed to globalization?

Weakening of civil society Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of providing food stamps instead of cash?

To ensure the funds are used specifically for food Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Charitable Organization Societies?

Focus on community development Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best defines the relationship between 'cause' and 'function' in social work?

'Cause' is a moral stance taken to improve society, whereas 'function' focuses on service delivery and efficiency. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of Settlement Houses?

To help immigrants integrate and establish themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between the two traditions of social work?

Charitable Organization Societies emphasize individual focus, while Settlement Houses emphasize community response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of social workers in relation to poverty?

To engage in advocacy and provide services to combat poverty Signup and view all the answers

How does New Biological Determinism challenge traditional social work beliefs?

It maintains that intelligence and behavior are solely based on genetic inheritance. Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of 'Blaming the Victim' imply in social work?

Clients are solely responsible for their situations regardless of external factors. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is associated with second-order victim blaming in social work?

The dismissal of client feedback regarding program effectiveness. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key premise of the 'Culture of Poverty' concept?

Cultural attitudes and behaviors contribute to the persistence of poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What does Wilson's concept of the culture of poverty indicate about the underclass?

It arises from both individual shortcomings and societal failures. Signup and view all the answers

What historical transition did Wilensky and Lebeaux associate with the rise of industrialization?

From feudalism to capitalism. Signup and view all the answers

According to Schlesinger, what typically occurs during periods of public interest?

Major changes are implemented quickly. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of social welfare as described by Piven and Cloward?

To act as a mechanism for quelling discontent and maintaining social order. Signup and view all the answers

How did the cycles of history affect social welfare, according to Schlesinger?

They resulted in fluctuating emphasis on public and private interests. Signup and view all the answers

What does industrialization contribute to, as stated by Wilensky and Lebeaux?

The establishment of a modern welfare state. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of society does the cycle of history relate to the concepts of public and private interests?

It illustrates alternating phases of focus on collective need and individual interest. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary societal concern during the 'War on Poverty' in the 1960s?

Addressing the systemic issues facing the underclass. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Canadian Developments

Early Canadian welfare state, influenced by "help-thy-neighbour" philosophy
Historical context: First Nations, the poor law, and a constitution prioritizing provincial responsibility for welfare
Significant events: rapid industrialization, World War 1 (promise of a better future), and World War 2
Transition to public welfare: WC, MA, OAS (time of prosperity, strong beliefs in capitalism)
Great Expectations and the Great Depression: economic despair, Regina Riot (protesting homelessness and unemployment)
Post-World War 2: building of a welfare state (1945-1970s), followed by dismantling in the 1980s

Economic Theories

Feudalism: Mercantilism, emphasizing government intervention to protect domestic economies from competitors
Early capitalism: Laissez-faire, advocating minimal government involvement in social welfare and economic matters
Crisis Management: Keynesian Economics, proposing government intervention to prevent economic crises (demand economy)

Charitable Organization Societies emphasized volunteer/charity work, an individual focus, and a belief in social good
Settlement Houses focused on community response, community development, and initially aimed at settling immigrants
These two traditions merged to form modern social work, encompassing both clinical and community development practices

Cause vs Function

Cause: Moral standpoint or action taken to improve society
Function: Day-to-day service provision, focusing on organization, techniques, theories, and efficiency
Social workers should balance cause and function in their practice

Biological Determinism

1920s theory positing that individual behavior is determined by biological heredity and "survival of the fittest"
Ignores environmental, social, and opportunity factors

New Biological Determinism

Herrnstein and Murray's (1994) "The Bell Curve" argued for hereditary intelligence, contradicting social work principles
Contradicts social work's belief that people can change and are affected by their environment

Blaming the Victim

William Ryan's concept: Easier to blame individuals for their problems than to acknowledge societal responsibility
Self-interest and class interests can contribute to victim blaming

Second-order victim blaming

Dressel et al. (1995): Examining why social work programs fail by blaming clients instead of the program
Example: Attributing program failure to client non-compliance rather than program accessibility issues

Culture of Poverty

Assumes that poverty is a cultural destiny passed through generations, with poverty being a set of attitudes and behaviors
Solution: Teaching impoverished individuals to adopt the dominant culture

New Version of Culture of Poverty

Wilson (1987): Describes a "permanent underclass" in ghettos with a culture antithetical to the dominant one
Attributes blame to both individuals and society
Solution: Tailoring social work programs and economic systems to individual needs while emphasizing individual responsibility

Industrialization

Wilensky and Lebeaux (1965): Industrialization's role in transforming feudalism to capitalism
Shifting from land-based production to industrial production (new means of production)
Impact on family structures and communities, contributing to the rise of the welfare state

Cycles of History

Schlesinger (1986): Social welfare development follows cycles of individual and societal responsibility
Shifting role of public and private sectors in national involvement
These cycles operate in approximately 30-year phases, marked by periods of public interest (sweeping changes) and private interest (privatization)

Piven and Cloward (1971): Social welfare as a tool controlled by those in power to quell social unrest and maintain the employment system

Globalization

Key players: IMF, World Bank, WTO, UN, non-UN organizations (OECD), NGOs (Save the Children, Oxfam, Habitat for Humanity)
Impact: Diminished role of the state, prioritization of economic policies (deficit reduction & tax cuts) over social welfare, weakening of civil society, job instability

Ideology and Welfare State Types

Ideologies: Conservatism, Liberalism, Social Democracy, Marxism
Types of welfare states: Residual, Institutional, Social Development, Structural

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Description

Explore the evolution of the Canadian welfare state from its early influences to the post-World War II era. This quiz covers significant historical events, economic theories impacting welfare, and the transition through various political climates. Test your knowledge on the interplay between economics and social welfare in Canada's history.