Authors: Oluwaseun. M. Adesina
Abstract: Inequality remains one of the most persistent social problems in contemporary societies, intensified by neoliberal governance, austerity measures, and the declining capacity of welfare states to meet citizens’ needs. In multiple regions, particularly in the Global South, faith-based institutions have historically acted as safety nets, providing welfare support where government intervention is limited. This paper explores the intersection of faith, welfare, and inequality, investigating how religious ethics shape social care responses to gaps in welfare policy. Drawing from global and comparative scholarly research, it analyses the extent to which faith-based organizations (FBOs) mitigate suffering, human vulnerability, and social exclusion, while also interrogating their limitations in addressing structural inequality. The paper argues that religious social care plays a significant supplementary role, but cannot fully replace systematic state welfare. It advocates for cooperative models between state, civil society, and religious institutions to strengthen social justice mechanisms. Case examples highlight Christian, Islamic, and interfaith interventions, illustrating both successful and contested outcomes. The study concludes that religious ethics provide moral capital and compassionate frameworks, yet sustainable reduction of inequality requires policy-anchored structural redistribution, not only charity-based remediation.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18107280
