Atomistic Approach

19/10/2020 1 By indiafreenotes

This approach says that every individual should be left as free as he can attain his own best interest if they are left free. Therefore, it was opposed by the state as welfare promoting activities undertaken by the government or any social or public agency contradict with this approach. This approach emphasis that scope of labour welfare activities should be as small as possible. This hypothesis is based on following important principles:

  • Society in its natural environment form is comprised of individuals. They are highly unorganized and uncoordinated group. Under such an environment every individual is self-cantered and motivated by self- interest.
  • That kind of person will always act in a calculated manner. An individual person always looking for a secure life. This kind of individual person mostly engaged and motivated by activities of self- interest. Therefore, he will act in a manner that leads to maximisation of his self-interest.
  • Each and every individual person supposed to act throughout the life which will promote his self-interest. He is always trying to achieve the goal with best of his ability.

The Atomistic approach was established on the independence, individualistic and rationality concept of the early 19th century. This approach did draw strong criticism in the 19th century mainly due to extreme atomistic views has almost disappeared now. This approach led to perception that there is need of increasingly more liberal and progressive view of welfare activities for labour.