Abstract: | This article argues that the contribution of second wave feminism to new welfare practice and provision is greater than recent discussions of welfare reforms have acknowledged. Along with other new social movements and grass-roots welfare campaigns, feminist activism and its critiques provide an important moral and political case for a new welfare society. This paper proposes four principles which underpin such a case – autonomy, mutualism, inclusive diversity and voice. Aspects of these are discussed, developing, in particular, an argument for a political ethic of care. |