Abstract: The subject of this research is the methodological principles of the study of social state. The object is the welfare state. Special attention is given to the questions associated with the formulation of methodology of research of the welfare state throughout the process of its establishment and development. Relevance of this work is dictated by the fact that as the notion of welfare state has ambiguous interpretation, causes by the ambiguity of interpretation of the research methodology. The author suggest reviewing the possible options of resolution of the methodological problems in examining the welfare state, which will allow developing the promising models of welfare state that require the demands of modernity. During the course of this work, it was substantiated that “welfare” is the attribute of the state. The main issue of the inaccuracy of methodology consists in shifting away from the dialectics and its principles or their inappropriate application. The scientific novelty lies in substantiation of the need for formulation of the attributive concept of welfare state.