Welfare Capitalism

pond frozen, January 21, 2007

It can readily be seen that the administration of the Charlottesville Woolen Mills appreciated the benefits to be derived from promoting the welfare of its employees. A mill community existed, but no attempt was made to exploit the situation by tight control over the affairs of the people. Rather, paternalism was the keynote. The complete absence of any signs of labor unrest indicates that a sound policy wisely administered was the result. In the next two decades the company promoted and supported educational and religious activities as well, bringing to fruition a program of welfare capitalism.--Harry Poindexter