More of the answer lies in drawing on the growing class of senior citizens. Here, too, the notion that one is entitled needs to be replaced with the idea that one needs to give something back, not out of altruism but to make the system work, and because people who serve good causes feel ennobled rather than coerced. Centres for senior citizens find that older folks greatly enjoy spending time with one another. The communitarian paradigm does not call for closing down the welfare state and replacing it with armies of volunteers. It envisages a triumvirate, in which the State, the private sector and various institutions of the community co-operate to shoulder social burdens.
Welfare reform is a case in point.
Mr Blair is following the American example in tackling unemployment. As many of those on welfare have children, it is suggested that the Government will use public funds to pro vide childcare for those wishing to work. However, given that it is desirable for a parent of infants to stay at home, these people could discharge their communitarian duties by providing childcare for other claimants who wish to work outside the household. Moreover, in an economy that still has considerable unemployment, pushing welfare clients to work is likely to push others into unemployment and ultimately on to welfare. This requires boards, which exist in America, of unions and government representatives, to ensure that those who do community service will do only work that truly would not be carried out otherwise.