Abstract

Public predispositions towards individualising social problems and economic experiences have recently corresponded with conservative political successes in USA, UK, and Australia. Political figures who seek to expose individuals to greater market competition, provide tax cuts to the wealthy, and stimulate the economy, have been popularly rewarded over alternate social democrat politicians who wish to extend the safety net. This individualising trend can be seen to be in opposition to the increasing evidence provided by empirical discovery and theoretical development regarding the prosocial nature of human existence. This paper examines the direction that the welfare state has travelled in recent years as a result of neoliberal ideas about human nature. It contrasts this with the increasing evidence that such ideas are wrong, as human evolution has been characterised by highly altruistic and prosocial trends that promoted the practical success of the species. Implications are drawn regarding the increasing policy focus upon developing social arrangements that are in opposition with the fundamental characteristics of human nature.