A Study on the Collective Action about the Universal Welfare and the Selective Welfare

Abstract

◈ 보편적 복지와 선별적 복지에 관한 기존문헌 연구 ◈ 보편적 복지와 선별적 복지에 관한 이론적 고찰 ◈ 우리나라에서의 보편적 복지와 선별적 복지의 적용 방향

These days in Korea there are hot discussion about the choice between the universal welfare and the selective welfare. Therefore it is necessary to have the knowledge about the good informed decision on this matter. Many participants of this discussion think that there are fixed solutions to be discovered. But this study has a different idea about this matter. We think that the choice between the universal welfare and the selective welfare is a collective action. Therefore the choice itself is formed, i.e. invented, in the collective decision process. With this perspective we have following results. Firstly, we have defined the universal welfare as both programs embracing the entire citizenry and programs allocating benefits or services without the application of means-testing. Secondly, the choice for the universal welfare leads to the social dilemma in normal condition where participants are self-interest oriented. The role of the middle class is very important in this situation. In order that the universal welfare is supported by the majority of the society, it must be organized to embrace the middle class in addition to the traditional supporter. Thirdly, the choice for the universal welfare must satisfy the three conditions of the contingent consent: 1. equal concern and respect and basic capabilities, 2. a fair and impartial administrative process, 3. insignificant free-ride or none at all. Fourthly, the tax and economic structure must have the capacity corresponding to the financing need of the universal welfare. Lastly, the society must have the capacity to discern and catch the "formative moment" where the society can form the supportive institutions for the universal welfare.