Abstract

ARELLANO ESPARZA, Carlos Alberto. Well-being and the State: a contemporary interpretation. Espiral (Guadalaj.) [online]. 2023, vol.30, n.86, pp.117-150.  Epub Aug 14, 2023. ISSN 1665-0565.  https://doi.org/10.32870/eees.v30i86.7275.

This paper addresses the links between well-being, the role of the State and public policy.We explore the nature of these concepts and outline the nexus amongst them. It is argued that well-being encompasses different dimensions amounting to the human life experience. The State develops concomitantly to the capitalist system; its involvement with human well-being is the consequence of the need to address the needs of the people since they are essential to the reproduction of the capitalist system, but is also the consequence of the growing demands of people to meet their needs. This relationship reflects the ideological tenets that underpin different policy arrangements and instruments.We examine how well-being and the role of the State through social policy have been redefined during the neoliberal paradigm.

Keywords : well-being; State; social policy; ideology; individualism.