Social Legislation in the First Czechoslovak Republic

Abstract

The article reviews theoretical bases of the social doctrine as well as the legitimacy of the state interference in resolving social inequalities among the population, with respect to the dynamics of the economic, political and social changes, and other factors. Subsequently, the paper maps, throughout a brief historical excursion, the development in the 19th century, when after the disappearance of feudal relations, the obsolete labor and social legislation regulating the position of an individual as well as the social classes, was changed. Social conflicts of a new quality began to emerge on the grounds of the development of the manufacturing sector. It was necessary to approach these conflicts with new instruments to be applied at economic, legal and social levels, respectively. Primarily, however, the article reflects the development after the formation of the First Czechoslovak Republic and the origins of the social legislation in the said period. Tomas Garrique Masaryk was the authority who outlined contours of the social doctrine in the First Czechoslovak Republic. The article further considers national and international sources as well as pertinent social legislation.