SOCIAL WELFARE STATE

Abstract

In Macedonia as across the Balkan region, individual continue to face difficulties with the basic social/economical rights and protection. These violations include unequal access to employment and healthcare, education, and under-representation in decision-making bodies. The wel-fare state is a concept of government in which the state plays a key role in the protection and promotion of the social and economic well-being of its citizens. It is based on the principles of equality of opportunity, equit-able distribution of wealth, and public responsibility for those unable to avail themselves of the minimal provisions for a good life. In Macedonia there is a considerable discrepancy between the laws which guarantee basic social and economical rights, and the actual legal practices or implementation of such laws, especially in rural areas. In this paper, I will make two points: first, I will underscore the links between Social Welfare State, the discrepancy between laws and the actual practices in relation to social rights and protection, and the need for institutionalized legal policies to combat such inconsistencies; and second, I will argue that the State needs to implement legal changes in Macedonia to combat un-equal social protection in which violence basic human rights of citizens. With reference to the legal framework of Macedonia, I will use the Macedonian case to argue that legal reforms and the social-democracy of the state since 1990/91 have not fundamentally transformed the system, but rather have supported the continuation of violence of basic social and economical rights.