Cultivating Cohesion: Analyzing the Path to an Integrated Social Protection System. A Content Analysis.

Abstract

Social protection systems play a significant role in promoting social inclusion and mitigating the impact of various vulnerabilities on individuals and communities, which derive from demographic changes, global economic uncertainty, and vulnerability to shocks such as global pandemics and natural disasters. The integrated social protection system is pivotal in providing a cohesive and coordinated framework to address issues of poverty, vulnerability among persons with disabilities, the ageing population, underprivileged society, unemployment, and healthcare. In line with SDG 16, “Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels” this paper meant to explore the need and emphasis on the integrated social protection system for a better social inclusion. This study employed a qualitative design by content analysis approach as a methodology to analyze the key components and mechanisms involved in highlighting the implementation and need for a more holistic database and system. Various important government documents and reports published in Malaysia on social protection have been analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Five main themes emerged from the analysis which are, data driven, efficiency, identity, integration, and socio-economic development. It is proven that by integrating various social protection programmes and services and, most importantly, the database, this effort would be able to create a more efficient and effective approach to safeguarding the well-being of citizens across diverse demographic groups at both the federal and state levels. By implementing a comprehensive and coordinated approach to social protection, it advocates for the development and enhancement of integrated systems that can adapt to the evolving needs of societies, promoting sound financial governance and sustainable development for social protection institutions and nations.