Critical Analysis: The Institution of Social Welfare in American Society The concept of social welfare is a broad term that describes what is necessary to ensure the well being of individuals in society. Societal problems, such as poverty, unemployment, homelessness, crime, and discrimination shape what is necessary to ensure societal well being. These societal needs may lead to the formation of social welfare policies, although not all social problems result in the creation of social welfare policies. Social welfare policy can result from government, voluntary, or corporate institutions, and controls the allocation of resources or benefits to individuals in society to meet basic human needs. Public policies result from government decisions,
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Throughout American history, giving “help” was often in exchange for the recipient giving up their culture, autonomy, or even their children. The interaction between Puritan settlers and the indigenous people of America illustrates the earliest example of benevolent repression in American history. The repressive treatment of the Native Americans did not stem from hatred but from Christian missionaries and charity workers attempting to “help” the Natives by civilizing them, ultimately destroying their culture. European settlers and missionaries viewed the natives as “barbarians” and uncivilized being that they were not Christians and desired to live amongst nature. Proclaiming the superiority of one culture, and consequently belittling the cultures which differ, often makes the acts of the “superior” culture repressive due to unequal power dynamics. European settlers exalted their culture by establishing the culture and traditions of the Native Americans as barbaric and …show more content…
These parallels are conveyed through the dominant society using the institution of social welfare to suit their needs and the surreptitious objectives of social welfare. In noting the connection between the introduction of Christianity and the submission of Native Americans to white rule, Wagner illustrates the link between religion, colonialism, and capitalism. The notion of Christian sympathy along with the desire to “do good” influenced the movements towards Native American “salvation” however; the profit white settlers gained through the acquisition of Native land can not be disregarded. The use of Christianity by European settlers to aid in the conquering of Native Americans and the acquisition of native land in serves as an example of how charity and social welfare serves dominant
Throughout American history, giving “help” was often in exchange for the recipient giving up their culture, autonomy, or even their children. The interaction between Puritan settlers and the indigenous people of America illustrates the earliest example of benevolent repression in American history. The repressive treatment of the Native Americans did not stem from hatred but from Christian missionaries and charity workers attempting to “help” the Natives by civilizing them, ultimately destroying their culture. European settlers and missionaries viewed the natives as “barbarians” and uncivilized being that they were not Christians and desired to live amongst nature. Proclaiming the superiority of one culture, and consequently belittling the cultures which differ, often makes the acts of the “superior” culture repressive due to unequal power dynamics. European settlers exalted their culture by establishing the culture and traditions of the Native Americans as barbaric and …show more content…
These parallels are conveyed through the dominant society using the institution of social welfare to suit their needs and the surreptitious objectives of social welfare. In noting the connection between the introduction of Christianity and the submission of Native Americans to white rule, Wagner illustrates the link between religion, colonialism, and capitalism. The notion of Christian sympathy along with the desire to “do good” influenced the movements towards Native American “salvation” however; the profit white settlers gained through the acquisition of Native land can not be disregarded. The use of Christianity by European settlers to aid in the conquering of Native Americans and the acquisition of native land in serves as an example of how charity and social welfare serves dominant