collective welfare

USAGE SUMMARY

"collective welfare" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to the general well-being or benefit of a group or community as a whole. Example: "The government's policies must be geared towards improving the collective welfare of its citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

What are the network architectures that maximize collective welfare?

Journal of Economic Theory

He drew a tensely straight mouth for "participates in labor for the collective welfare".

The New Yorker

Those who have more should contribute to maintain services for the collective welfare.

The Guardian - Opinion

Farmers had a semblance of collective welfare when they lived in communes, though standards were lower.

The New York Times

During another class, we discussed the tensions between collective welfare and individual gain.

University of California, Berkeley

But it isn't necessarily welcome where protections and a focus on collective welfare remain abiding democratic ideals.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

In a manner different to the principles we have so far discussed, it forms the basis for casuistic reasoning in relation to problems of individual welfare versus collective benefit in public health.

BMC Medical Ethics

How can we ensure collective economic welfare and, at the same time, protect the dignity of both young and old?

Cornell University

The concept of ability-to-pay is meaningless without delineating the parameters of the collective: whose welfare, whose needs, whose claims, and whose resources are relevant?

Columbia University

International human rights law is similarly concerned with collective social welfare claims, including intra- and inter-state conduct in relation to health.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The pattern was similar in countries with very different levels of unionisation, prevalence of collective bargaining and welfare systems.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing policies or actions intended to benefit a group, use "collective welfare" to underscore that the benefits are aimed at the group as a whole, rather than specific individuals.

Common error

Avoid assuming that prioritizing "collective welfare" automatically negates individual rights. Effective policies often balance both to ensure a just and equitable outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "collective welfare" primarily functions as a noun phrase. Ludwig shows that it typically acts as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause, denoting the overall well-being of a group or society.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "collective welfare" is a commonly used phrase that signifies the well-being of a group or community. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, academic and scientific contexts. While related to concepts like the "common good" and "public interest", it's crucial to consider the potential trade-offs with individual rights. Use "collective welfare" to emphasize the importance of policies and actions that benefit the entire group, but always strive for a balance that respects individual liberties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

common good

Focuses more on the benefit to everyone, emphasizing shared advantages.

public interest

Emphasizes the benefit to the general public, often in a legal or political context.

societal well-being

Highlights the overall health and prosperity of society.

communal prosperity

Emphasizes shared economic success and flourishing.

social benefit

Focuses on the advantages provided to society as a whole.

community welfare

Emphasizes the well-being of a specific community.

general welfare

A broader term that includes the well-being of all members of society.

shared prosperity

Focuses on the idea that wealth and success should be distributed among all.

national interest

Relates to the benefit and security of a nation as a whole.

social utility

Highlights the usefulness and benefit to society.

FAQs

How can I use "collective welfare" in a sentence?

You can use "collective welfare" to describe actions or policies designed to benefit the community. For example, "Investing in public education is essential for the "collective welfare" of society".

What's a good alternative to "collective welfare"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "collective welfare" include "common good", "public interest", or "societal well-being".

Is "collective welfare" the same as "socialism"?

"Collective welfare" refers to the well-being of a group. While some socialist policies aim to enhance "collective welfare", the term itself doesn't inherently imply socialism. It can be pursued through various economic and political systems.

How does "collective welfare" relate to individual liberty?

There's often a tension between "collective welfare" and individual liberty. Policies promoting "collective welfare" may sometimes require limitations on individual actions, necessitating a balance to protect both.