Is the concept of the welfare society an aim for social development from a European perspective? The International Consortium for Social Development is an organization of practitioners, scholars and students in the human services that addresses this question. The concept of the welfare society is under constant transformation and pressure. The Nordic countries are identified as models for the welfare state system. However, a revised perspective on the concept includes a broader definition of the social production of well-being. The book investigates the relation with non-governmental bodies,...

In her late work -Paths toward a Science of Welfare and Care- Ilse Arlt (1876 - 1960), the Austrian pioneer of scientific social work, summarizes the central points of her theory of social-welfare-oriented, individualized social work, which is anchored in poverty and wellbeing reseach. According to Arlt help can turn into self-help only if the helper strengthens the capacity of the individual to make their own decisions and consume creatively. Therefore, the concept of -creative consuming- is a major aspect of her needs-based theory. Maria Maiss teaches history, theories and ethics of social...