social welfare

American  

noun

1. social services provided by a government for its citizens.

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social welfare British  

noun

1. the various social services provided by a state for the benefit of its citizens

2. (capitals) (in New Zealand) a government department concerned with pensions and benefits for the elderly, the sick, etc

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Etymology

Origin of social welfare

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“Global economic competition, particularly in the face of Asia’s growth, is not achieved through the use of force ... but rather through cooperation for development, productive investment, innovation, education and social welfare,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

"A lot of people live outside the job market, many receive social welfare assistance or disability pensions. So we need jobs and opportunities," she said.

From Barron's

One of the grievances cited was that of Astor, the professor of social welfare, who describes himself as both a Zionist and a “pro-peace researcher.”

From Salon

The top priorities are boosting domestic demand and supporting social welfare, while property market stabilization has slipped down the agenda.

From Barron's

More than a third of its budget now goes to social welfare for the elderly, and that squeezes the money available for research, education and technology, Prof Yoshino says.

From BBC