red pepper | T Sheerman-Cheese
The targeting of welfare is no surprise. Recipients of welfare are often castigated as ‘work-shy,’ and ‘scroungers.’ Yet the welfare state’s existence is rarely challenged. Undoubtedly it has been essential for working people, protecting them from the excesses of the free market. But, critically, it has always been valuable for capitalism. Amidst a growing working-class presence, the implementation of state reforms at the turn of the twentieth century was an acknowledgement of the need to cushion the effects of exploitation, or risk rebellion.