The Policies of Liberal Welfarism
摘要
This chapter elaborates on the policy implications of liberal welfarism (LW), introducing behavioral governance (BG) as its practical policy framework that draws on behavioral insights to inform a broader and more flexible set of policy tools. As such it seems more versatile than LW’s building blocks. The chapter organizes these tools in terms that reflect varying degrees of intervention and normative orientation: (i) mandates, which prioritize wellbeing over individual freedom by imposing specific requirements; (ii) nudges, which gently steer individuals toward welfare-enhancing choices while maintaining their autonomy; and, (iii) boosts, which aim to simultaneously promote freedom and wellbeing by enhancing individuals’ decision-making competencies. These instruments are not merely technical mechanisms; they embody deeper normative commitments and invite critical reflection on both the goals and methods of public policy. The chapter concludes with illustrative applications of liberal welfarist policy across three key domains: health, environment, and security. These examples demonstrate how LW can serve as a principled yet pragmatic framework for designing policies that are both freedom-centered and welfare-oriented.