Today in lecture, ProfLM introduced us to the concept of the European Social Model. This model, he explained to us, was the united belief in the basic theory of a welfare state that exists among european nations. In basic terms, in a welfare state there exists a belief that the less fortunate are given handouts, that healthcare is a universal right, and that the government should play a more socialistic role in the economy, among other things.
I began to think to myself, what parallels would the American Social Model have with the european one and what separates the two? To find the answer, a variety of social and economic ideologies must be observed.
Although the center-left and center-right political parties of Europe have considerable differences in ideology, both sides are much farther to the left than the Republican and Democratic Parties in the United States. In consequence, Americans are much more reluctant to embrace liberal ideals of a larger government that provides services found in welfare states.
Overall, I believe there to be a common sentiment common among most Americans- a belief opposite than that in Europe. While Europeans are basically united in support of this “welfare state,” I believe there to be a united sentiment against that belief in the United States.
The United States remains one of the most conservative nations in the world, much thanks to the man pictured above, President Ronald Reagan. During the years of his presidency, the US saw a substantial shift to the right in a number of ways- guaranteeing Reagan landslide wins in the presidential elections. This period championed a strong contrast against the USSR by promoting minimal government interference in the economy, tax reforms in favor of the wealthy, etc. Since then, these beliefs have been championed by both US parties to this day, especially the GOP (let’s be real, Republicans are obsessed with Reagan).
I believe the American Social Model to be a direct contrast to the european model. While we do have some social programs to help the less fortunate, like Medicaid and unemployment, Americans overall are in favor of the inequality that exists in our country. The very wealthy in the US pay much lower tax rates than those in Europe, promoting more of a “survival of the fittest” atmosphere. The redistribution of wealth, which is existent in arguably many countries in Europe, is a concept very unappealing to a large number of Americans, because of the common dislike of taxes. The US, as a result, pays a much lower tax rate than countries in Europe, on average. Even Obamacare, which is very moderate in comparison to the universal healthcare systems common in Europe, was seen as drastic due to the fact that lower-income Americans would benefit while tax rates would likely rise.
This American Social Model is an important guide for American politics- for the United States to remain a capitalist powerhouse in the world.
What other values would be included in the American Social Model?
Do you believe it is a contrast to the European Social Model, or can comparisons be made?
The creation of the American Social model actually began with our split from Europe. What was a major impetus behind the Revolution? Taxes. Perhaps the burden of the taxes placed on the colonials by the English crown were exaggerated, but it was the principle of the matter that counted. The colonials were unwilling to comply to a tax system that they had no say in.
ReplyDeleteThat anti-tax tradition has been passed on throughout the generations on to us. The super-wealthy in this country believe in supply-side Reagonomics, which might work in theory but places an enormous tax burden on the middle class, while the super-low class receives government benefits. Couple that with high unemployment and you get a rise in discouraged workers. This causes constant class conflict between the middle class and the upper class, and endless debates on whether to raise or cut taxes on the wealthy. Because our two-party system is always split on this issue, it is difficult to get any real legislation done because real change almost always requires a raising of taxes. The question becomes who bears the brunt of a tax hike, and no one wants to take the responsibility.
First, I wouldn't say the "American social model" as you call it is a direct contrast to the European model. It's very similar, just a little bit behind. Pretty much all of the same systems exist, but just to a lesser extent than in Europe, and the lower tax rates that come with less benefits. There's unemployment benefits and social security in the US, but not as much as in Europe. Europeans pay (relatively) little to nothing for their college education, and Michiganders get subsidized tuition for attending UofM. So no, I wouldn't say there is a great divide, we just do everything to a lesser extent. Additionally, I don't think the US is united against welfare as you say. Old people want their social security, the unemployed want enough to get them by until they can find employment, the underprivileged want the opportunity to have what the rest of us have, young people don't want to take on huge debt to get a college degree, progressives want to bridge the income inequality gap, etc etc. Sure upper middle class and rich people want to keep more of their money and not pay slightly higher taxes, but I think the majority of the US would acknowledge social support is a necessary and good thing for our country.
ReplyDeleteI suppose, basically, I see the American system as one that is greedier than the European model. The universal healthcare systems has a very high approval in European countries, so the "well-to-do" in society doesn't mind paying higher taxes to ensure the poor have the same medical treatment as themselves. I just don't think this could ever be achieved in the United States. Although we have a variety of welfare programs, we are still very far away from being a welfare state.
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt that a welfare system should be used in society, to provide a safety net for the disabled, elderly, the very poor, etc. but compared to European countries, the US sets aside less money for these welfare programs. I definitely favor the US side of the welfare debate, as wealth redistribution can favor the less-hardworking members of society. In a lot of ways, like unemployment, people can definitely take advantage of this system.
ReplyDeleteAs long as the US safety net only serves the purpose of supporting the truly less-fortunate in society, the welfare state in America shouldn't overstep its boundaries.