福祉国家

• Reading: ふくしこっか
• Romaji: fukushi kokka
• Kanji breakdown: 福 (fuku) — fortune, blessing; 祉 (shi) — happiness; 国 (koku) — country; 家 (ka) — house, institution
• Pronunciation: /ɸɯ.kɯ.ɕi.kok.ka/

Meaning

Welfare state; a system in which the government provides for citizens' social and economic well-being.

A compound noun used in political science and policy discussions. Refers to nations where the government takes active responsibility for citizens' healthcare, education, pensions, and social security. Scandinavian countries are often cited as model welfare states. Related terms include 社会福祉 (social welfare) and 福祉制度 (welfare system).

Examples

1. 北欧諸国は福祉国家のモデルとして知られている。 Scandinavian countries are known as model welfare states.
2. 福祉国家を維持するには高い税収が必要だ。 Maintaining a welfare state requires high tax revenues.
3. 日本は福祉国家としてさらに発展すべきだという意見がある。 Some argue that Japan should develop further as a welfare state.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, economics, social policy, academia

Tone: academic

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 福祉 (fukushi, welfare/well-being) + 国家 (kokka, nation/state). 福 means fortune/blessing, 祉 means happiness, 国 means country, and 家 means house/institution.

Cultural Context

Era: Postwar

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated