The Individual State and Society

Running head: THE INDIVIDUAL STATE AND SOCIETY
THE INDIVIDUAL STATE AND SOCIETY
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Introduction
The concept of nature of the state is an idea of government in which the authority is
considered to be the protagonist in providing protection and promotion of the social and
economic well being for the citizens. The idea of equality or opportunities for all is the key idea
that personifies the practice of being a welfare state (Bell 2014). However, the concept is not a
new idea and has a foundation since 19th century. In this regards, there are some theories opined
by Jean Jacques Rousseau and John Locke in their social contract theory that reflected the role of
the state in this response. Rousseau is famous for his social contract theory and the role of the
nation as a welfare state. It can be argued that he propounded the theories at the time when there
were a number of political and religious upheaval encircled the social life of England (Murphy
and Stoica 2015). He argued for the authority of the state over individual liberty. On a contrary,
the theory of Locke had manifested his arguments on the basis of state of the nature that is
associated with peace, good will and mutual assistance. Based on these arguments, the essay is
going to discuss different approaches of Rousseau and Locke to identify the role of state in the
perspective of welfare. In addition to this, the discussion is forwarded with a proper
understanding of the classical and modern implication of social contract theory and the practice
of nature of the state.
Locke’s theory of liberalism
John Locke’s theory of liberalism is highly differed from the Hobbes social contract
principles. Locke advocated his theory in the Two Treatise of the Government (Simmons 2014).
According to Locke, person in the states of nature would willing to come forward together in
order to form a government (Beattie 2017). The citizens of a state are bound morally by the Law

3THE INDIVIDUAL STATE AND SOCIETY
of Nature. As a result of that there is no presence of brutality and harmful activities as far as the
people are going to follow the Laws of Nature. Moreover, Locke believed that the individual
rights and liberty is necessitated and people would live in fear. As a response to that people
should come forward and form a state so that the neutral attitude of the state would be beneficial
for the citizens to safeguard their interests (Rossi 2014). In compare to Hobbes claim over
absolute authority, Locke put more focus on the individual role that is more valuable than the
government. The government is bound to do their job as per the wish of the citizens. Refuting the
theory of absolute authority, Locke supported the theory of separation of power. This is
considered to be an iconic feature of his social contract theory.
Classical approach
Based on this theory, it can be argued that Locke’s theory is highly depended upon the
natural rights to life, liberty and property. In this regards, it is the responsibility of the
government to preserve the rights of the individuals (Lehto 2015). It can be argued that people
had a natural right that must be protected by the government. For example, the UK government
introduces a safety framework for the unemployed citizens of the country (Ryan 2017).
However, despite this benevolent effort provided by the government it can be argued that the
dependency of the unemployed people has been increased in a great deal of manner that in return
perturbed the means of welfare state. As a result of that issues like bunking schools are very
popular among the students and many of them are not willing to get a job.
In relation to this, the classical approach of liberalism highlights the role of the
government to set some rules and regulations so that the people can get the benefits of the state.
As a matter of this, it can be presumed that the citizens of the country will depend on the