ABSTRACT
Although the welfare state had its critics, criticism was chiefly limited to a kind which did not tackle real issues. Advocacy and criticism were both based on images rather than realities. Titmuss summarises the basis of criticism of the welfare state during this period as follows. It was, he said (Schottland, 1967) criticised ‘as a major instrument of re-distribution of wealth from rich to poor; as a means of impoverishing the professional and middle classes; as a denial of charity and cultural excellence; as the responsible agent in undermining the virtues of thrift, individual effort, and family stability.’
