The State and the Citizen: From Paternalism to Neopaternalism

Abstract

In article historical aspects and a current state of system of mutual relation of the state and the citizen are analyzed. The novelty of the author’s approach consists in demonstrating the cyclic process: from civil paternalism to a social contract society and neopaternalism. The basic models of social support based on the degree of state intervention in the life of civil society and citizens are developed. A substantiated conclusion about necessity of social support not only not protected social groups, but all citizens of the state, transition from vertical to the horizontal social contract. Features of a formed Russian neopaternalism, its inconsistent character are specified. Necessity of forming of new system of mutual relations of the state and its citizens, based on trust and mutual responsibility of the parties is underlined.

Keywords

• paternalism
• neopaternalism
• social support
• models of social support
• social contract
• civil society
• social state