Field Of Social Policy Research Articles

ЄВРОІНТЕГРАЦІЙНІ МОЖЛИВОСТІ РЕФОРМУВАННЯ УКРАЇНИ

The article is devoted to highlighting the European integration possibilities of reforming Ukraine. The important role of the modernization of social policy for accelerating the economic growth of Ukraine in the conditions of the formation of the information society and the knowledge economy is emphasized. The objective of the paper is to highlight the European integration possibilities of reforming Ukraine in terms of modernization of educational processes at the university level in order to train qualified specialists to accelerate the integration of Ukraine into the EU. In the conditions of the growing uncertainty caused by the transition from an industrial-market to an information-network economy, the problems of increasing the efficiency of state regulation of the sphere of higher education, high-quality training of specialists to ensure the fastest possible integration of Ukraine into the European Union are becoming especially urgent, especially taking into account that in February 2023, the European Commission assessed the level of Ukraine's preparation for joining the EU in the field of social policy and employment as initial: one point out of five possible – the European Commission assesses progress in this section as the lowest. Under Ukraine’s aspirations to join the EU as soon as possible, it is necessary to point out that the formation of social policy, as well as its implementation is carried out at the level of member states, while a high level of education occupies a prominent place in the social policies of all member states. The necessity of increasing the effectiveness of state regulation of the sphere of higher education in the conditions of European integration is substantiated. The role of axiological factors in the socio-economic development of the national economy is revealed. The state of education and science in Ukraine is highlighted, systemic problems of the development of education and science and the ways to overcome them are discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the urgent need to modernize educational processes at the university level in order to train qualified specialists to speed up Ukraine's integration into the European Union. Keywords: eurointegration, social policy, state regulation, axiological factors of socioeconomi

Lesson‐drawing under authoritarianism: generosity and cost control in China's hospital payment reforms

AbstractLocal policy experimentation was a driving force behind China's economic progress, but its results in the field of social policy are more ambiguous. This article takes a lesson‐drawing perspective on the transfer of international hospital payment reforms to Chinese cities, focusing on the Urban Employees' Basic Medical Insurance. We distinguish two waves of reform. The first wave was driven by local government initiatives dominated by simplified versions of international models which lacked strong prospective payment components (inspirations) and protected local bureaucratic and hospital interests. The second wave was driven by central government intervention dominated by syntheses and adaptations with strong prospective payment components and was more oriented toward patients' interests. Data were collected via expert interviews, administrative documents, academic studies, and newspaper articles. We find that elements of social policy are transferred depending on central–local interaction, with pressure from the center needed to overcome local bureaucratic self‐interest.

The depoliticisation of social policy through financial inclusion

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore two financial inclusion measures adopted within the local welfare context of the city of Milan, Italy, examining their functioning and underpinning representations. The aim is also to understand how such representations take concrete shape in the practices of local actors, and their implications for the opportunities and constraints regarding individuals' effective inclusion. To this end, this paper takes a wide-ranging look at the interplay between the rise of financial inclusion and the individualisation and responsibilisation models informing welfare policies, within the broader context of financialisation processes overall.Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on the sociology of public action approach and provides a qualitative analysis of two case studies, a social microcredit service and a financial education programme, based on direct observation and semi-structured interviews conducted with key policy actors.FindingsThis paper sheds light on the rationale behind two financial inclusion services and illustrates how the instruments involved incorporate and tend to reproduce, individualising logics that reduce the problem of financial exclusion, and the social and economic vulnerability which underlies it, to a matter of personal responsibility, thus fuelling depoliticising tendencies in public action. It also discusses the contradictions underlying financial inclusion instruments, showing how local actors negotiate views and strategies on the problems to be addressed.Originality/valueThe paper makes an original contribution to the field of sociology and social policy by focusing on two under-researched instruments of financial inclusion and improving understanding of the finance-welfare state nexus and of the contradictions underpinning attempts at financial inclusion of the most vulnerable.

The Welsh criminal justice system: On the jagged edge By R.Jones, R.W.Jones, Cardiff: University of Wales Press. 2022. pp. 292. £24.99 (pbk); £24.99 (ebk). ISBN: 9781786839435; 9781786839442

The Welsh criminal justice system: On the jagged edge By R.Jones, R.W.Jones, Cardiff: University of Wales Press. 2022. pp. 292. £24.99 (pbk); £24.99 (ebk). ISBN: 9781786839435; 9781786839442

ЦИФРОВОЙ ПРОЕКТ В ОБЛАСТИ МОЛОДЁЖНОЙ СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ПОЛИТИКИ ДЛЯ ЕГО ПРОДВИЖЕНИЯ НА ЦИФРОВЫХ ПЛАТФОРМАХ: ЗДОРОВЫЙ ОБРАЗ ЖИЗНИ ПОДРАСТАЮЩЕГО ПОКОЛЕНИЯ

The relevance of the research lies in: (1) the possibilities of digital platforms as drivers of technological and socio-economic develop-ment of regions in promoting the values of society – a healthy lifestyle (HLS) among the younger generation in terms of quitting smoking; (2) increasing tobacco dependence among young people. The object of re-search: a digital project in the field of youth social policy for the development of healthy lifestyle of the younger generation, its pro-motion on digital platforms. Subject: the pos-sibilities of digital platforms in promoting healthy lifestyle among the younger genera-tion through: digital technologies, the use of methods of resistance to change. Research objectives: 1. Research of scientists in the field of the object, the subject of this work. 2. Conducting an empirical study among gen-eration X. 3. The formation of cases among schoolchildren who smoke, quit smoking. 4. Formation of a digital project in the field of the subject of this study. Research methods: systematization, classification, grouping, comparison, logical, source-based, inter-view. The novelty lies in: substantiating the possibilities of digital platforms in promoting the values of healthy lifestyle among young people; improving the social mechanism of the subject of research (5 participants, 10 media of influence); forming the project "#Not belonging to Tobacco!/ Tamakega-YaTugel!", which includes 10 events: using digital technologies (3 events) and changes in the elements of the social mechanism (7 events). Practical significance: formation of the value of healthy lifestyle of schoolchil-dren taking into account the social mecha-nism of healthy lifestyle, taking into account the methods of resistance to change. Con-clusions: the scientific and theoretical foun-dations of this project study are presented, the scientific and practical results of this pro-ject study are obtained.

The crisis of modern society: Richard Titmuss and Emile Durkheim

This article examines the influence of Emile Durkheim's sociology on Richard Titmuss, founder of the academic field of social policy. While operating in different environments and historical eras, they shared concerns about modernity's impact on contemporary societies, heightened by their experiences of living in periods of considerable political and socio-economic upheaval. Their social thought embraced crucial complementarities, and understanding these adds a previously under-explored dimension to Titmuss's influential analyses of Britain's post-war ‘welfare state’.

Роль социологических исследований в грантовой деятельности

Every year the share of scientists who participate in grant activities increases. Participation in grants becomes a priority in the professional activity of a scientist. Despite the availability of publications on the topic of grants, there are practically no studies on highlighting the place of sociological research in grant activities. The purpose of this study is to show the role of sociological research in the development of projects and typical mistakes in the preparation of applications. Research methodology - the main method was desk research. To solve particular problems, a content analysis of Russian and foreign literature on sociological research and grant activities was used. As a result of the study, the legal framework governing grant activities, the main funds of grantors, the main provisions of the grant application, and the specifics of using sociological research in grant activities were considered. The results of the study can be applied in the field of social and youth policy, in the development of methodological and practical recommendations for the development of applications for grants. The materials of the study formed the basis of the Retraining Program on "Organization of work with youth", advanced training courses "Research work".

THE ROLE OF FOLK TRADITIONS IN FORMING LEGAL CULTURE OF STUDENTS OF LAW SCHOOLS

The use of all the wealth of folk wisdom, which contains valuable ideas of training and education, plays an important role in the development of a modern personality. Folk traditions serve as a source for the development of humanistic culture of a person. The experience of the present shows that an inattentive attitude to the traditions of our people, to its past and present means the destruction of the connection between generations and causes irreparable damage to the moral formation of the individual. The era of change, which the people of Uzbekistan entered, led to great changes not only in the field of social policy, economy, culture, but also in the moral principles and guidelines of the individual, in its value orientations.

Introduction: ‘public information comics’

ABSTRACT This symposium article brings together distinguished scholars from the field of criminology, graphic arts, creative industries and social policy, and English to reflect on a suite of ‘educational’ or ‘public information’ comics created by the Scottish Centre for Comics Studies (SCCS), based at the University of Dundee. There are now 20-plus titles available to the public for free download and distribution on a range of subject matters relating to healthcare, law and justice, science, forensic analysis, trauma and memory studies, as well as a diverse range of literary adaptations, creative responses to literary and cultural texts, and other subjects. Each of these works relies on a strong symbiotic relationship between their authors, experts, artists, editors, and other contributors to successfully convey every story at hand. Every comic is also meticulously reviewed for accuracy – both written and visual – at each stage of creation, leading up to publication. In this article, the contributors have focused on selected titles from our ‘educational’ comics series to generate incisive analyses that will be relevant to scholars working in a broad range of fields from law, psychology, the humanities and creative arts, to healthcare and the sciences, understood broadly. In order of appearance, the contributors are Paul Long, Christopher Pizzino, Angus Nurse, and Ian Horton.

Профессиональная стратификация как социальный феномен на региональном рынке труда Хабаровского края

This scientific article studies professional stratification as a social phenomenon in the regional labor market of the Khabarovsk Territory. The author analyzes social stratification, determines its main characteristics and influence on the professional opportunities and prospects of workers in the region. The study is based on a comprehensive data analysis that includes surveys, statistics and economic indicators.The author analyzes various aspects of professional stratification such as the level of education, work experience, professional skills and qualifications, as well as social status and income. He explores the differences in access to high-paying and prestigious jobs, as well as the factors that influence the vertical and horizontal mobility of workers. The author identifies the main trends and patterns of professional stratification in the regional labor market of the Khabarovsk Territory as the result of the study. Recommendations to reduce inequality in access to professional opportunities and improvement in the situation on the labor market in the region are also offered. This article provides valuable information for researchers, practitioners and decision makers in the field of labor relations and social policy.

Inflation, wages and equality: cross-disciplinary conversations

Rising inflation and a wave of strikes during 2022 have aroused echoes of the 1970s. In this article, experts from the fields of economics, sociology and social policy consider what has changed, what remains the same, and what the lessons might be � with a notable degree of agreement. Raising wages, particularly for the lower-paid groups in the public sector, is likely to reduce poverty and has a very low risk of generating further price inflation. Giving in on pay will be costly, and may have to be funded by taxes in the short term. In the longer run the only way out of our difficulties will be more effective growth generated through improved productivity.

MECHANISM OF STATE REGULATION OF LABOR PAYMENT IN UKRAINE

The article examines the essence and significance of state regulation of wages as an important tool in the field of social and economic policy. It is noted that state intervention is aimed at ensuring fairness, stability and efficiency in the labor market. The purpose of the article is to generalize the results of research and formalize the theoretical foundations of state regulation of the organization of labor remuneration, taking into account the specifics of today's challenges and trends in the development of economic conditions. The research method is a theoretical and logical substantiation of the mechanism of state regulation of labor remuneration as a complete system aimed at ensuring justice, stability and efficiency in the field of labor. The main purpose of the functioning of the mechanism is defined as the creation of fair, efficient and sustainable conditions of remuneration, which ensure a decent standard of living for employees, contribute to social justice and the development of the labor market. The main principles (social justice, equality and protection; transparency and comparability; stimulation of productivity; flexibility and adaptability; democracy), functions (establishment of the minimum wage, protection of workers' rights, regulation of tax and social contribution systems, stimulation of the development of industries and markets, monitoring and analysis of the labor market, ensuring equal payment conditions for employees, improving social protection systems, forming effective labor standards) and the goals of state regulation, as well as its importance in ensuring decent wages and social justice. The importance of continuous improvement of the system to meet changes in society and economy is emphasized. The advantages of partnership regulation, where the state cooperates with employers and trade unions to achieve common goals, are analyzed. The conclusion indicates that state regulation of wages is necessary to support sustainable development and ensure fair and cost-effective conditions in the labor market.

MECHANISM OF STATE REGULATION OF LABOR PAYMENT IN UKRAINE

The article examines the essence and significance of state regulation of wages as an important tool in the field of social and economic policy. It is noted that state intervention is aimed at ensuring fairness, stability and efficiency in the labor market. The purpose of the article is to generalize the results of research and formalize the theoretical foundations of state regulation of the organization of labor remuneration, taking into account the specifics of today's challenges and trends in the development of economic conditions. The research method is a theoretical and logical substantiation of the mechanism of state regulation of labor remuneration as a complete system aimed at ensuring justice, stability and efficiency in the field of labor. The main purpose of the functioning of the mechanism is defined as the creation of fair, efficient and sustainable conditions of remuneration, which ensure a decent standard of living for employees, contribute to social justice and the development of the labor market. The main principles (social justice, equality and protection; transparency and comparability; stimulation of productivity; flexibility and adaptability; democracy), functions (establishment of the minimum wage, protection of workers' rights, regulation of tax and social contribution systems, stimulation of the development of industries and markets, monitoring and analysis of the labor market, ensuring equal payment conditions for employees, improving social protection systems, forming effective labor standards) and the goals of state regulation, as well as its importance in ensuring decent wages and social justice. The importance of continuous improvement of the system to meet changes in society and economy is emphasized. The advantages of partnership regulation, where the state cooperates with employers and trade unions to achieve common goals, are analyzed. The conclusion indicates that state regulation of wages is necessary to support sustainable development and ensure fair and cost-effective conditions in the labor market.

ЕДИНОЕ ПОСОБИЕ НА РЕБЕНКА В СИСТЕМЕ МЕР СОЦИАЛЬНОЙ ПОДДЕРЖКИ В СОВРЕМЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ: ОЦЕНКА ВЛИЯНИЯ НА ОСНОВЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЯ ДОХОДОВ

The subject of the study of this article is a measure of social support for low-income families with children, introduced on January 1, 2023 – a standard allowance. Since overcoming negative trends in demographic processes is the area of increased attention of the authorities, and reducing poverty in 2018 was declared one of the national goals, the relevance of studying innovations in the field of social policy aimed at low-income families with children is beyond doubt. The scientific novelty lies in the approach to assessing the potential effectiveness of the allowance, which consists of modeling various variations in the well-being of families with children depending on the level of their total income and the number of children. This approach makes it possible to draw preliminary conclusions before the statistical data becomes available (e.g., on the coverage of low-income families with allowances, changes in their average per capita income with the receipt of payments, etc.). The main results show that regardless of the number of children in the family, families in which the aggregate parents’ income is low (e.g., for Russia as a whole, the amount of such income is no more than 40% of the average nominal wage), a standard allowance does not contribute to transferring the poor families out of poverty. The identified patterns also open up such questions as the fairness of the “customization” of this system in terms of stimulating parents with many children to look for additional sources of income and higher-paying jobs (e.g., similarly to social adaptation measures that are mandatory when receiving social assistance based on a social contract) or providing the opportunity to live on allowances.

Field Research on Global Climate Change in Social Reality

This study focuses on revealing the relationship between global climate change (GCC) and the discipline of social policy on the axis of social reality. The focus of the study is qualitative research carried out within the framework of nature-based work (those who make their living from nature) in the Mediterranean climate of Turkey to make the dimensions of the GCC in social reality comprehensible. Within the scope of the study, in-depth interviews were conducted with those who have been making a living directly from nature for long enough to assess climatic changes. In line with the Interpretive Approach adopted in the research, the Constructivist Design Theory was preferred to understand the interaction between the GCC and human beings within the scope of social policy, in the ordinary course of life and in-depth. The findings show that GCC increases production costs in works directly dependent on nature. Due to the increases in production costs, GCC threatens the potential of works directly dependent on nature as a livelihood. On the one hand, this impoverishes those who work directly depending on nature. On the other hand, it interrupts the handover of this work to future generations. According to this research, which aims to explore the relationship between the phenomenon of GCC and the discipline of social policy, the impoverishing cycle caused by GCC makes it necessary for GCC to be a ‘new’ topic in the field of social policy. This cycle also makes effective social policy practices necessary in dealing with GCC. 

VOLUNTEERING: ANALYSIS OF THE REGULATORY AND LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Volunteering as a social phenomenon has been widely discussed by scientists and specialists over the past few years. International documents proclaim the equality of citizens’ rights to participate in volunteer activities, and also emphasize the need to strengthen the volunteer movement in all countries of the world. However, there are difficulties in a single comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of “volunteering”. The article analyzes the activities of international organizations regulating volunteer work. The analysis of modern legislation after the adoption of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation is carried out, and the possible consequences for the development of the social institution of “volunteering” in modern society are described.
 Purpose. The aim of the study is to analyze the modern comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon of “volunteering”, the activities of international organizations in the development of volunteering and modern Russian legislation on volunteering.
 Methodology. The main research method was the content analysis of Russian and foreign literature on volunteering and regulatory documents (official websites of the UN, UNDP, federal authorities). To achieve the goal of the study, the methodology of system analysis was used.
 Results. The results of the work showed that volunteering is understood as a form of social service, carried out according to the free will of citizens, aimed at the disinterested provision of socially significant services at the local, national or international levels, contributing to personal growth and development of citizens (volunteers) performing this activity. The role of International Organizations is important in consolidating efforts in promoting volunteering. National governments and public institutions should work closely with voluntary organizations in setting common priorities for the development of the world. The state has recognized the importance of volunteering in its legal acts. Effective implementation of the socio-economic development of Russia is possible in partnership with civil institutions, including volunteers. Modern social challenges (pandemic COVID-19, fires, floods, etc.) reinforce and emphasize the importance of volunteering.
 Practical implications. The results of the study can be applied in the field of social and youth policy.

FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAMBO IN THE VOLUNTARY SPORTS SOCIETY “BUREVESTNIK” OF THE CHUVASH ASSR (1960–1980s)

The stages of sambo formation and development within the framework of the republican student voluntary sports society “Burevestnik” are examined. The need for this is justified by the desire to search for the most significant aspects in the development of modern student sports, which the authors understand as a condition for implementing national projects in the field of social policy and health.
 
 The article provides a brief historical reference on formation and development of the voluntary student sports society “Burevestnik” in the Soviet Union and the Chuvash ASSR. Some statistical data on the participants of the All-Russian and republican championships and Cups of the voluntary student sports society “Burevestnik” in the period of the 1960–1980s are presented. Distinctive features of organizing sambo competitions in the considered historical period are revealed.
 
 Based on the analysis and generalization of archival data, evolvement of sambo in the Chuvash Republican Voluntary Sports Society “Burevestnik” is associated with expansion of the competitive base of student sambo in Chuvashia and the first participation of sambo students in competitions outside the republic.
 
 It is noted that within the framework of the republican voluntary student sports society “Burevestnik” student sambo is a specific social phenomenon and in its history it repeatedly changed its structural content, which, in fact, reflects the specifics of its development.
 
 At this, a number of aspects are updated, implementation of which, according to the authors, will contribute to further development of student sambo in the Chuvash Republic and, in general, will create conditions for a more complete implementation of national health projects.

Social protection of children with disabilities before the change of regime and at present

The integration of people with disabilities and the normalisation of their living conditions appear to be a key goal in today’s social approach. However, it is not enough to change the social approach alone in order to achieve integration, we need instruments which are able to support the social participation, self-determination and normalisation of people with disabilities. Such instruments can be defined as follows: a wide range of social welfare support and social services ensured by the state. It is indispensable to help, support and strengthen families which raise a child with disabilities, consequently social policy instruments should be extended to families as well. The present study aims at providing an overview of how children with disabilities and their families were supported during the socialist regime and in the subsequent period. We used a qualitative case study, for the preparation of which secondary research and document analysis were conducted. Our analysis focused on the research question whether following the change of regime there was a change of attitude in the fields of social policy which could promote the improvement of the quality of life of children with disabilities and their families. On the other hand, do the benefits and services provided by the social care system support the integration, normalisation and self-determination of children with disabilities, as well as their upbringing in a family environment? The results of our analysis show that following the change of regime a slow change guided by the modern approach to disability began, which by continuously adding an element at a time attempts to help children with disabilities and their families. A Hungarian disability strategy which would thoroughly define a social policy adapted to the needs of those concerned is badly needed.

“Deutschland ist auch Frauensache”. NPD-Frauen im Kampf für Volk und Familie 1964–2020

In this enlightening and carefully researched book, Valérie Dubslaff explores the history of the right-wing extremist Nationaldemokratische Partei Deutschland (NPD) with a focus on its female members and officials. Dubslaff offers a unique insight into the various ways in which women of different generations have actively influenced the NPD’s political and ideological development during the last six decades. Throughout the book, the author presents a thorough analysis, based on an impressive number of primary sources, ranging from internal party documents, manuscripts and letters, through party programmes, leaflets, contributions in the NPD’s party newspaper, and records of right-wing extremist networks and actors in antifascist archives, to content published on NPD websites or posted on social media. Moreover, by continuously reflecting on the historical and socio-political context of the NPD women’s manoeuvring, Dubslaff makes a remarkably insightful contribution to the exploration of the postwar Federal Republic’s gender history. In the first section, ‘Women in the NPD’s Heyday (1964–1969)’, the author focuses on the role the NPD’s (few) female members played in the consolidation and foundation of the party in 1965 as well as during the party’s most successful years in the late 1960s. The NPD’s founding mothers are presented as women from the ‘Experience Generation’ (Erlebnisgeneration), who had actively supported the National Socialist regime, refused to accept the FRG’s postwar order and continued their ideological and political engagement in the NPD. Here, Dubslaff explores how the three most prominent female members strove for more influence and actively contributed to the elaboration of ideological standpoints. Among other examples, in the field of family and social policy, they promoted an ideal of the German family strongly reminiscent of the Nazi regime’s ideology. Overall, however, Dubslaff describes the political status of women in the male-dominated NPD as characterized by a double marginalization. On the one hand, they were relegated to a subordinate role in the patriarchally structured NPD, while on the other, due to their Nazi past, NPD women could not escape the party’s overall pariah status in the FRG’s political system, despite the attempt to present themselves as a constructive and constitutional opposition.

Social class and income distribution

This paper aims to analyse the relationship between household income sources and household economic welfare over a medium-term period spanning different political-economic cycles in Argentina. It bases on the convergence between social class studies and welfare regimes analysis. We used a quantitative methodological strategy based on microdata from the Permanent Household Survey (EPH for its acronym in Spanish) of the National Institute of Statistics and Census (Indec for its acronym in Spanish), Argentina. The class scheme known as EGP/Casmin was constructed. The income sources for the different years were harmonised into labour and non-labour sources, differentiating the latter between market income and welfare income. The relationship between social class and income sources was analysed descriptively. A decomposition analysis by income sources and social class of the Gini economic inequality index was applied at the household level. Among the main conclusions of the paper, the strong dependence of households of all social classes on labour income for their social reproduction is highlighted, even in periods of strong dynamism in the field of social policies, such as the governments framed within the “progressive turn” or “pink tide”.