Science, Tech, Math Social Sciences Welfare State Share Flipboard Email Print Social Sciences Sociology Key Theoretical Concepts Introduction to Sociology Major Sociologists Deviance & Crime News & Issues Subfields & Careers Research & Statistics Recommended Reading Psychology Archaeology Economics Environment Ergonomics Maritime by Ashley Crossman Updated March 04, 2016 Definition: A welfare state is a social system in which the government assumes responsibility for the well-being of citizens by making sure that people have access to basic resources such as housing, health care, education, and employment. Continue Reading