Charity and welfare

Irrespective of the temporal divides, the incomers featured in this book fall into the following categories. There are the ‘fortunates’, those able to support themselves and dependents from monies and goods previously deposited or brought with them, or those with skills and abilities to ensure employment, security and improved quality of life. Then there are the economic migrants, legal and illegal, who have limited economic opportunity or who, in their sending society, are subjected to economic deprivation as a result of the local economy, ethnicity, religion or gender. They come with few, if any, funds but are prepared to work long and hard to achieve upward economic mobility for themselves and their families, either by remaining in Britain or by returning to their country of origin when they have sufficient savings. Finally, there are the refugees and asylum seekers who have come seeking sanctuary from persecution. With the exception of the ‘fortunates’, the newly arrived immigrant invariably requires assistance, in the form of housing, health care, schooling and, at times, ready money. At the time of writing, attitudes towards economic migrants and asylum seekers ¹ are generally unsympathetic, the perception being that these incomers are individuals intent on taking advantage of charities and the welfare state. Both historically, and at the present time, these two support systems differ and it would be helpful at the outset of this chapter to define the way in which they have been understood and applied, since before the birth of the welfare state. ² Charity is a familiar and at times abused word. For Calvinists, Jews and Muslims, the concept of charity is an essential part of their religion. It implies benevolence to the poor or unfortunate, by deed and/or by donation, as for example through church collections or almsgiving. For the recipient it is a blessing even though it may occasionally, be an embarrassment. Charity is not an individual's right, but results from another's compassionate recognition of need. Welfare is different. In contemporary terms, it can be defined as a means by which the maintenance of persons – in a condition of well-being, health and prosperity – can be effected by statutory procedure or social effort. Within the broader context of the modern welfare state, it is a system whereby the state undertakes to protect the health and well-being of citizens, especially those in financial or social need by means of state-funded bodies, grants, pensions, etc. As defined in this way, it is a citizen's right. Fortunately for those seeking refuge and asylum in Britain, the state does not insist on all those in receipt being ‘citizens’, thus the legitimate refugee or asylum seeker may receive some state benefit. Welfare is intended to help a recipient maintain an acceptable standard of living and is administered and distributed through the state or non-governmental organisations which might, or might not, be attached to a religious body. In contrast, charity is far more arbitrary, dependent on an individual's good nature, goodwill and available finance.