The welfare states are in transition. Numerous developments of social change take place at the same time. Focusing on the sphere of the individual, a trend towards demands for subjective well-being can be seen. The quality of life is determined by individual concepts of personal confidence through authenticity. In order to achieve authenticity a self-reflexive interaction with the spirit is needed. Spirituality takes place in a distinct personal sphere and focuses on internal matters. These internal matters are implemented into society on a second stage through personal relationships, but also general behaviour in society. The sections of influence of the subjective sphere on publicity and thereby welfare regimes are uncountable. A focus on spiritual needs in the context of a research on welfare in Europe could definitely enrich the study result.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Objective dimensions of welfare - Welfare states in transition
1 Welfare models
2 Globalisation
3 Secularisation – A suitable description?
3. Subjective dimensions of welfare
1. A Draft in expectations
1 From survival to flourishing (post-materialism)
2 From welfare to well-being (individualization)
2. Values defining welfare
1 Quality of life
2 Values of late capitalism (freedom, autonomy)
3 I am what I am (authenticity)
3. Loci
1 The self
2 Homelessness
3 Indigenous Psychologies
4. Spirituality
1 Theistic Spirituality: Christian Spirituality
2 Spirituality of Life
5. Concluding thesis: Continuing notion of the dimension of spirituality is needed
Research Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to explore the concept of "spiritual well-being" and its evolving relevance within the context of European welfare societies. The research aims to move beyond purely material definitions of welfare by examining how subjective dimensions, specifically the quest for personal meaning and spirituality, are increasingly becoming crucial components of well-being in a late-modern, individualized society.
- Shifting focus from objective material welfare to subjective well-being.
- The impact of globalization and individualization on personal values and life-style choices.
- The role of "the self" as a central locus for contemporary spiritual quests.
- Distinctions between institutionalized religious forms and emerging "spiritualities of life."
- The importance of integrating spiritual dimensions into current European welfare research.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
Reading through the publications arising out of and surrounding the project “Welfare and Religion in European Perspective“, my attention was drawn to an aspect of the discussion, appearing quite frequently, but remaining relatively undefined to me: Spiritual well-being. Spiritual well-being for the time beginning may be seen as a crucial part of religious activity in the sense that both theo-centric and person-centered religious rites and beliefs to a good deal include a spiritual dimension, aiming at the well-being of its participants. Within the study it became obvious that spiritual well-being is not only seen as an aspect belonging to the religious dimension of the project. Instead spiritual well-being is supposed to take place within welfare society, not necessarily being bound to any religious denomination, but more than that within the process of subjectivation becoming a crucial factor of welfare itself.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the research context of the "Welfare and Religion in European Perspective" project and identifies the need to define "spiritual well-being" as a factor within welfare society.
2. Objective dimensions of welfare - Welfare states in transition: This section provides an overview of structural changes in welfare states, utilizing welfare regime typologies and analyzing the impacts of globalization and secularization.
3. Subjective dimensions of welfare: This central chapter explores the shift toward individualized expectations, examining new values like authenticity, the concept of the self, and the emergence of psychological interpretations of reality.
4. Spirituality: The chapter differentiates between theistic, tradition-bound spirituality and the contemporary "spirituality of life," highlighting their respective approaches to transcendence and experience.
5. Concluding thesis: Continuing notion of the dimension of spirituality is needed: The conclusion synthesizes these findings and advocates for the inclusion of spiritual dimensions in future European welfare research.
Keywords
Welfare, well-being, spirituality, religion, European society, individualization, post-materialism, the self, authenticity, globalization, secularization, spiritualities of life, Christian spirituality, social change, subjective dimension
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central focus of this research?
The work focuses on the transformation of welfare, specifically shifting the perspective from purely material, objective needs to the emerging importance of subjective "spiritual well-being" in contemporary European societies.
What are the main thematic areas covered?
The key themes include the transition of welfare states due to globalization, the shift toward post-materialist expectations, the evolving concept of "the self," and the diversification of spiritual practices.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The primary goal is to demonstrate that spirituality is a crucial, often overlooked factor in individual well-being that should be integrated into wider sociological and welfare research frameworks.
Which scientific methods or approaches are used?
The author employs a qualitative research approach, contextualizing regional findings within established theoretical frameworks, such as welfare regime analysis and secularization theory.
What topics are explored in the main body?
The main body examines the objective structural changes in society, the rise of subjective individual values (like autonomy and authenticity), and the distinct manifestations of theistic versus modern spiritualities.
Which keywords best describe this work?
Core keywords include welfare, spirituality, the self, authenticity, individualization, post-materialism, and European welfare research.
How does the author define the "Higher" and "Lower" self?
The author describes a dualistic view where the "Lower Self" represents the institutional, surface-level personality, while the "Higher Self" embodies inner spirituality and the pursuit of deeper human nature.
Why does the author argue that homelessness is a factor in modern spirituality?
The author suggests that as individuals lose trust in traditional institutions (like churches), they experience a form of existential "homelessness," leading them to search for new meaning through inward-focused spiritual practices.
- Quote paper
- Thorsten Wettich (Author), 2007, From welfare to well-being - Subjective dimensions of welfare, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/84723
