Social Welfare is a generalized term which covers all
aspects aimed at social upliftment of the weaker and downtrodden members of the
society. In past social welfare was not done in an organized manner.
At a general level, "social welfare" is concerned
with the advancement of individual and collective well-being, the meeting of
human needs, the creation of policies and programs that help prevent and reduce
social problems, and the promotion of social and economic equity.
Boarder meaning of the term social welfare denotes the
well-being of the individual and the community. The primary objective of social welfare is to secure for each individual the basic economic necessities, high
standards of health, decent living conditions, equal opportunities with his
fellow-citizens and self-respect.
According to W. A. Friedlander –
“Social welfare is the organized system of social services
and institutions, designed to aid individuals and groups to attain satisfying
standard of life and health, and personal and social relationships which permit
them to develop their full capacities and to promote their well-being in
harmony with the needs of their families and the community.”
According to Social work dictionary
–
“Social welfare is a nation’s system of programs, benefits
and services that help people to meet those social, economic, educational and
health needs that are fundamental to the maintenance of society.”
According to Ronald C. Federico –
“Social welfare is defined as a society’s governmental and
non-governmental efforts to help its members function more effectively as
individuals and as participants in organized social structures.”