Challenges of the modern welfare state

In 2016, Marit Skivenes was awarded a prestigious EU scholarship to study child-welfare decisions in different countries. Now she wants to bring insight gained from her research to students in a new, interdisciplinary master's course.

In the course titled “Discretion and Paternalism,” students will explore the relationship between the state and the individual, and examine major challenges in the modern welfare state.

Paternalism and state power

Children often complain about parents restricting their actions. However, adults also experience interventions in their lives – from family, friends or the state.

When the intent of such an intervention is to promote our welfare or to protect us from harm, but without regard to our consent, it is considered a paternalistic action.

State paternalism is when the government decides what citizens can and cannot do through decree, prohibition and other forms power. Examples of state paternalism include the state-imposed requirement to wear seatbelts and smoking prohibitions.

In what situations, though, is it legitimate for the state to restrict people’s freedom? When should the government and other authoritative entities not intervene? Is such nonintervention acceptable, even if it leads to negative consequences?

Decisions in the welfare state

Paternalistic intervention is a widespread phenomenon in the modern welfare state. Such interventions are common when patients and clients do not have the ability or knowledge to understand the consequences of their actions.

In these scenarios, people in positions of authority use their power to act in order to promote patients’ welfare. Examples of such interventions include the forced treatment of a mentally-ill person or child removal in a child protection case.

How can the state balance individuals’ right to autonomy with the promotion of their welfare?

Discretion and Fairness

Many important decisions in the welfare state are based on discretion. Decision-makers, while having to take laws and rules into account, are entrusted with the discretionary room to make judgements based on their professional opinion.

Decision-makers such as medical doctors, police officers, social workers and child welfare workers have the power to make decisions that significantly impact individuals’ lives.

While discretion enables flexibility and adaptability to individuals’ needs and circumstances, it can also lead to injustice, unfairness and a lack of predictability.

How well do decision-makers exercise their power and how can we explain variations in discretionary practice?

State of the art

This intensive two-month course takes place amidst the ongoing debate about the challenges facing the welfare state. It will include lectures by Skivenes, guest lectures and discussions.

Students will become familiar with basic theories of discretion and paternalism, and gain knowledge about current research in the field.

The course will have a cross-disciplinary approach, including perspectives from political science, sociology, law, philosophy and psychology. It is open to all students with a bachelor's degree in the social sciences, law and psychology.