The core of solidarity
Trappenburg, M.J.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 157(50): A7224
2013
ISSN/ISBN: 1876-8784 PMID: 24326141 Document Number: 671138
Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTVG) Lecture 2013: Organized solidarity in a welfare state is impersonal, restricted and based on enlightened self-interest. Critics of the welfare state argue that it is obsolete and we should aim for a society based on individual participation. They believe that people now prefer individualized care, that it is no longer possible to set boundaries and that too much altruism is required from those with higher incomes. In this year's NTvG lecture Margo Trappenburg contended that this criticism is unjust. Many people prefer professional care to care from the family or from volunteers and it could be possible to set boundaries again: recent developments within the medical profession are hopeful. And although the more highly educated make a greater financial contribution to the welfare state, those with a lower level of education show more, and more frequent, active solidarity. There is insufficient reason to abolish the welfare state and replace it with a society of greater individual participation.