benefit. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/benefit (accessed: September 22, 2009).
ben⋅e⋅fit
/ˈbɛnəfɪt/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [ben-uh-fit] Show IPA noun, verb, -fit⋅ed, -fit⋅ing.
–noun
1. something that is advantageous or good; an advantage: He explained the benefits of public ownership of the postal system.
2. a payment or gift, as one made to help someone or given by a benefit society, insurance company, or public agency: The company offers its employees a pension plan, free health insurance, and other benefits.
3. a theatrical performance or other public entertainment to raise money for a charitable organization or cause.
4. Archaic. an act of kindness; good deed; benefaction.
Origin:
1350–1400; late ME benefytt, benefett (n.), alter. (with Latinized first syll.) of ME b(i)enfet, benefait < AF benfet, MF bienfait < L benefactum good deed; see bene-, fact
"Benefits" don't seem to be "benefiting" the subjects of the UK so much. I see little good coming from the system and a lot of bad.
Seems not only has Dad's role been sidelined, but so has the concept of benefactor in English/American society or patrón in Latin society. A guiding influence that gives a small stimulus head-start and then coaches the recipient on how to succeed.
As far as the article bemoaning the failure of schools to instill morals... I consider that a non-issue. Schools were never intended to build moral character. Just the opposite. Public education was created to avoid establishing a centralized moral code... that's why we have charter schools, private religious schools, military academies and other institutions that actually advertise that fact. Teachers are discouraged or even prohibited from making value judgements on kids and establishing a punishment system based on those values.
