福利国家是西方社会科学界及公众舆论颇为关注、然而也是弄得十分混乱的问题之一。在国内刊发的文章中,大多避免使用这一提法,而用“福利社会”、“福利主义”、“社会福利制度”。即便使用福利国家一词,也往往加上引号。本文拟就福利国家的缘起、实质、发展趋势及其成因等发表一些粗浅的看法,就教于同行。〈一〉福利国家的缘起及发展 Welfare countries are of considerable concern to the Western social science community and to public opinion, but they are also one of the most confusing issues. Most of the articles published in the country have avoided using this formulation, but instead used “welfare society”, “welfareism” and “social welfare system.” Quoting is often used even when the term welfare state is used. This article intends to publish some superficial opinions on the origin, essence, development trend and causes of the welfare state, to teach to peers. the origin and development of welfare countries