Social Protection Programs Research Articles

Social protection for inclusive growth: a tale of two countries Pakistan and Bangladesh

PurposeThis paper examines and compares the role of social protection to promote inclusive growth in two countries (once related), Pakistan and Bangladesh, from 1984 to 2020, using annual time series data.Design/methodology/approachThe study used principal component analysis to develop the index of social protection, inclusive growth and macroeconomic stability. It also employed co-integration with impulse response function and fully modified ordinary least squares test for long-run cointegration.FindingsThe key results highlighted that social protection positively promotes inclusive growth in both countries. However, Bangladesh attains a high position in achieving inclusive growth through the mechanism of welfare programs. Findings show that institutional quality, macroeconomic stability and globalization are the positive and significant drivers of inclusive growth in both countries. It also confirms that macroeconomic stability and globalization are contributing more to achieving inclusive growth in Bangladesh as compared to Pakistan.Practical implicationsInstitutions and macroeconomic stability in both countries are critical toward providing a transparent system of welfare schemes to achieve inclusive growth. Shocks to social protection schemes in Pakistan are inconsistent for achieving inclusive growth as compared to Bangladesh.Originality/valueThe study extends the empirical measurement of social protection and inclusive growth while using protracted dimensions and indicators. It further examines and compares the dynamics of social protection programs for inclusive growth in two countries once related. For further originality and reliability, this study checks the robustness of long-run estimates by disaggregating the institutional quality and globalization into their key dimensions.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0548

Can Social Security Bridge the Digital Divide-Induced Relative Poverty? Evidence from CFPS 2020

Digital inequality has emerged as a critical socioeconomic challenge in the era of rapid technological advancement, particularly in developing economies transitioning from absolute to relative poverty reduction. While extensive research has explored various dimensions of the digital divide, limited attention has been paid to its causal relationship with relative poverty and the potential mitigating role of social protection systems. This knowledge gap is particularly significant in China, where despite remarkable progress in poverty alleviation, the interplay between digital exclusion, social security, and relative poverty remains understudied. Herein, we employ a multi-method approach combining instrumental variable analysis, propensity score matching, and quantile regression using the China Family Panel Studies 2020 data to examine these relationships. Our findings reveal that the digital divide significantly increases the likelihood of relative poverty, with a one standard deviation increase in digital exclusion associated with a 5.3 percentage point higher probability of experiencing relative poverty. Notably, social security coverage moderates this relationship, reducing the marginal effect of digital exclusion by 0.65 percentage points for each additional social protection program. These results advance our understanding of technological inequality by demonstrating how institutional factors can mediate the relationship between digital exclusion and economic outcomes, while highlighting the need for integrated policy approaches that combine digital inclusion initiatives with enhanced social protection measures to address emerging forms of poverty in increasingly digitalized societies.

Empowering Global Health Systems to Protect, Promote and Support Optimal Breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a critical public health strategy for optimal child development and maternal health across the life course. The 2021 Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study reveals that, despite reductions in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributed to suboptimal breastfeeding practices-namely, non-exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months or early discontinuation within the first 2 years-low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) continue to bear a staggering 50-fold higher burden compared to high-income nations. This inequity signals a pressing global health priority. Hence, we propose to address these challenges by first, expanding the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) reach through community-driven efforts such as the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI) to enhance breastfeeding support in both clinical and community settings; second, embedding breastfeeding counselling within national health and social protection programmes to fill in gaps in culturally competent care, drawing on large scale breastfeeding peer counselling programme experiences like the one being implemented by the US Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC); third, improving maternity leave policies and workplace accommodations for breastfeeding women and fourth, stringent regulation of exploitative commercial milk formula (CMF) marketing to combat misinformation and reduce health inequities. Governments must implement strong, evidence-driven policies-such as strict monitoring and regulation of product labelling and digital media marketing-to establish safeguards against the powerful influence of the CMF industry. Collectively, these strategies will enhance breastfeeding outcomes, reduce health disparities and drive progress across countries towards meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Gendered vulnerabilities in climate shocks: the role of social protection interventions

Abstract This review explores how climate change exacerbates gender inequalities and the potential of social protection programs to alleviate these impacts. It examines how women disproportionately bear the brunt of climate shocks and discusses pathways through which programs like public works initiatives, cash transfers, and social insurance can bolster women's resilience in this framework. Despite the potential of these programs, challenges such as implementation gaps and limited engagement of women in program design hinder the effectiveness of social protection programs. Limited research on the gendered effects of social insurance underscores the need for further investigation and gender-responsive policy interventions.

Indigenous Peoples and Social Protection: The Case of the Peruvian Amazon

The persistence of indigenous poverty and exclusion is one of the main challenges for social policy in Latin America. Social protection programmes, in particular conditional cash transfers, have been among the main instruments used by governments over the past two decades to respond to the high incidence of poverty in indigenous contexts. The inclusion of indigenous peoples as social protection beneficiaries remains a largely unexplored topic, despite its relevance to understand social policy trajectories in the global South. This article discusses the expansion of poverty alleviation social programmes in the Peruvian Amazon. Although the expansion of these programmes increased the state’s capacity to deliver welfare services in historically excluded areas, it also revealed the limitations of existing social protection instruments to effectively respond to indigenous poverty and vulnerability. Addressing this challenge constitutes a key opportunity to promote transformative approaches in social protection systems in Latin America.

Social Protection in Conflict and Conflict-Related Displacement Crises

In recent years, efforts to encourage the use of social protection in response to conflict and displacement have increased. Yet many of the lessons from social protection and shock-responsive programmes emerged in response to climate shocks and other disasters and are not necessarily transferable to conflict and displacement settings. Ultimately, the concern must be how to sustain support to the poorest and most vulnerable populations during conflict. This shifts the focus away from simply maintaining the functions and delivery capacities of state‑directed social protection towards how to harmonise multiple channels and providers of social assistance. State‑directed social protection may not be the most appropriate channel to address the needs of conflict-affected and displaced populations. This article considers the challenges to introducing, extending, and sustaining social protection in crises characterised by conflict and displacement.

Beyond Design: Examining the Implementation of Gender-Responsive Social Protection in Ethiopia

Recent years have witnessed increased global attention and investment in inclusive and gender-responsive social protection programming in low- and middle-income countries. While high-level design commitments are important and welcome, in practice, they may not guarantee protection from vulnerabilities and a reduction in gender inequality. Programme implementation presents a critical, yet often underestimated, challenge. This article offers insights into the reality of implementing the gender provisions of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Programme. Drawing on qualitative data from rural Ethiopia, it shows that the implementation of the gender provisions has generated implementation gaps and inconsistencies. The findings highlight the need to move beyond commitments on paper and allocate greater resources and attention to the implementation of gender-responsive social protection.

Ethnostatistics of Single Integrated National Database: A Reflection on the National Program of Socioeconomic Registration for Social Protection Programs in Indonesia

Lessons from participative de facto and de jure approaches to socioeconomic registration for integrated policymaking have been underexplored, especially in archipelagic states and middle-income countries. This study aims to analyze participants' perceptions of statistical data and assess how socioeconomic circumstances shape the Regsosek (socioeconomic registration) process in Indonesia. Using a qualitative method, the research incorporates ethnographic techniques and triangulation, with enumeration carried out by locals familiar with the socio-cultural characteristics of the communities. The data were validated through multiple cross-checking stages. The Regsosek initiative seeks to create a unified national database to improve policymaking, a key aspect of Indonesia's socioeconomic development that has received limited attention in terms of participative methods. While prior studies have focused on the technical aspects of socioeconomic data collection, this research highlights the influence of socioeconomic diversity on the process. Novel insights reveal that participants’ perceptions of well-being vary based on socioeconomic backgrounds, geographic conditions, livelihood systems, gender, and exposure to previous development programs. Key challenges identified include community resistance and misconceptions linking data collection to social assistance, as well as the need for system integration and stability to establish a single national database. The study concludes that development and poverty alleviation programs must be mutually agreed upon to avoid disruptions, instability, and political influence, offering a fresh perspective on integrated policymaking in archipelagic and middle-income contexts.

Health shocks and households’ welfare in Ghana: does social assistance mitigate the effects?

PurposeHealth shocks are among the factors that have impeded households from experiencing better welfare. To mitigate the consequences of these shocks, individuals have sought to enrol in a formal insurance scheme or borrow from banks. This study estimates the effects of health shocks on households' welfare while examining the mitigating role of social assistance in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized the three-stage least squares and feasible generalized least squares to estimate the impact of health shocks on households' welfare.FindingsThe authors find that health shocks put households at risk, particularly disability and severe illness, which significantly limits individuals’ ability to smooth consumption to increase welfare. We further find that hospitalization due to illness significantly allows households to increase welfare through consumption. Finally, we find that social assistance has the potential to reduce these adverse effects of shocks conditioned on the type of shock and the outcome variable in question.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, we only used cross-sectional data for the two waves and therefore lacked panel data across time for analyses. Second, the data do not provide information on the exact amount of cash received by beneficiaries, so it was quite impossible to measure the exact effect of social assistance on welfare. We could only track whether or not having such assistance could mitigate the effect of a health shock.Practical implicationsThe practical implication of the findings is that Ghana needs to build a resilient health system in order to withstand the health shocks of individuals.Originality/valueNo study has attempted to investigate the differential effect of health shocks – hospitalization, disability and labour days lost due to illness in Ghana. Our choice is dependent on the fact that these shocks have been an issue for many households in Ghana, thus the need to examine their impact on individual well-being. Second, social assistance has been Ghana’s flagship social protection programme, but what is missing in the literature is whether this programme is capable of reducing the effect of health shocks faced by beneficiaries’ households in Ghana.

The Impact of Social Protection Programs on Community Welfare in the Tomini Bay Area

The Impact of Social Protection Programs on Community Welfare in the Tomini Bay Area

A microsimulation study of COVID-19‘s impact on household welfare in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Our study aims to analyze and learn from the unanticipated economic shocks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine the ramifications of the pandemic on household well-being in Ethiopia, uncovering the layers of socio-economic impact through a rigorous microsimulation exercise. Drawing on robust data from the 2018/19 Living Standards Measurement Study – Integrated Surveys on Agriculture, we assess the significant disruptions caused by the pandemic. Our findings reveal a 2 to 4 percentage point increase in the poverty rate within the first three months, driven largely by shifts in direct incomes and food prices. The analysis highlights differential impacts across rural and urban areas, as well as between male- and female-headed households. Moreover, the study underscores the vital role of social protection programs in mitigating the effects of such shocks.

Mapping the integration of climate considerations in social protection in LMICs: An assessment of ninety-eight climate-relevant social protection programs

Social protection can be an important policy tool to manage the socioeconomic impacts of climate change and climate risk, including poverty and inequality. Despite growing interest from policy makers and academics, a systematic effort document capture and analyze the current integration of climate considerations in social protection programs does not yet exist. This understanding is crucial for designing climate-relevant policies and programs that help more effectively manage climate change impacts.Our research systematically maps for the first time the integration of climate considerations in social protection programs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Using a mixed-methods approach, we identify 98 climate-relevant social protection programs and collect data on over 70 variables related to their scope and climate relevance at policy, design, and implementation level. We seek to answer the question: to what extent and how are social protection programs in LMICs climate-relevant? for further research.Our findings reveal a significant number of long-standing climate-relevant social protection programs that reach large populations and involve substantial financial investments globally. At policy level, these programs often lack climate considerations, and a minority are primarily climate-focused by design. At the implementation level, most programs show climate-relevant actions or results, typically centered on shock response, though our findings suggest they have the potential to address broader climate functions. Overall, our results empirically substantiate long-held assumptions about climate-relevant social protection and highlight areas for further research. We also make the database openly available and encourage its use by policymakers and practitioners.

Making social protection a reality for people with TB: a perspective on new global guidance.

TB disproportionately affects poorer, vulnerable people and communities, and has severe social and economic impacts on those affected. However, many countries do not yet include social protection in their programmatic response to TB. Here, we provide a critical perspective on the guidance developed by the WHO and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to help countries implement social protection programmes. The guidance emphasises the need for a multisectoral response to TB, and includes practical information on how to design appropriate social protection programmes that respond to the needs of people affected by TB.

The mitigating effect of social protection on undernourishment during economic downturns: A longitudinal study of 46 low- and middle-income countries over the last two decades

BackgroundLow- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of economic downturns on the Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU). Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of Social Protection and Labor Programs (SPL) on PoU in 46 LMICs from 2001 to 2019, and to estimate SPL mitigating effects during economic downturns. MethodsThis cohort study used a multi-country ecological design with two-ways fixed effects multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and contextual variables. Interaction terms between economic downturns and SPL were used to evaluate SPL mitigating effects. FindingsOur study cohort displayed an average 15.30% PoU and 34.34% SPL coverage in the initial year, contrasting with 8.58% PoU and 43.81% SPL coverage in the final year. A 10% SPL coverage was associated with a 0.51% PoU reduction (95%CI: 0.04–0.99) across all countries and 0.78% reduction within the poorest subgroup. SPL have been able to prevent an estimated 1.01 billion (95% UI: 0.16–1.86) cases of undernourishment over the study period in the 46 LMICs. Economic downturns were associated with a 4.55% PoU increase (95% CI: 1.28–7.81) in all countries, and a 6.06% PoU increase in the poorest subgroup. High SPL coverage during the downturns had significant mitigating effects, reducing an overall 1.17% PoU for every 10% SPL coverage in all countries, and 1.81% PoU in the poorest nations. InterpretationAmid the ongoing multiple global crises, expanding the coverage of social protection could effectively mitigate the potential increases in undernourishment during economic downturns, contributing to the achievement of nutrition-related Sustainable Development Goals in LMICs.

Living policy Labs: A case study of collaborative dialogue about social protection to alleviate grievances and facilitate peaceful outcomes in Egypt

Social protection may be regarded as the conduit for governments to end poverty (SDG1) and in turn maintain civil order/peace. However, how social protectionis conceptualized alongside poverty ideology (who/what causes it and whose responsibility it is to relieve it) can negatively impact the development of social protection programs to the extent that they do not meet the social and economic needs of beneficiaries/end-users. Underpinning these views are social and political dynamics that reflect a wide range of sometimes opposing interests and social divisions. Thus, social protection inadvertently risks becoming a conduit to conflict rather than peace. In this paper we report on a living policy lab (LPL) we developed in Cairo (Egypt) to help mitigate this risk. The aim of the LPL was to facilitate dialogue between various stakeholders to support collaboration towards policy-making. First, we present an in-depth review of extant literature, discussing the viability of a ‘living policy lab’ approach to social policy making in MENA countries such as Egypt that are susceptible to conflict. Using Egypt as our focus, we critically outline its evolution of non-targeted to targeted programs and initiatives to alleviate poverty, arguing that they have been reactive and piecemeal rather than thought through (except for the universal health insurance system). We then examine findings from a project in Egypt involving a series of interrelated living policy labs (2018–2019) on social protection reform that involved a range of social actors. The aim was to explore whether, as a design process, the approach might offer an alternative shared power model that facilitates agreed policy priorities and in so doing mediates peace. In this way, we add to the scholarship on social protection by considering to what extent new approaches to policy making in contexts of conflict can support more sustainable and peace-promoting social protection interventions. We end the paper by providing recommendations in terms of research, policy and practice particularly in relation tofuture possibilities for consultative design theory.

Evaluation of Social Protection Programs to Improve the Welfare of Indonesian Migrant Workers Deported from Malaysia at the Rumah Perlindungan Trauma Center (RPTC) Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands Province

This study aims to evaluate social protection programs to improve the welfare of Indonesian Migrant Workers who are deported from Malaysia who are then provided with social protection services starting from pick-up, shelter at RPTC to repatriation to the area of origin. From the CIPP evaluation model used in this study, it was found: Context evaluation, social protection for migrant workers at RPTC is a crucial step in efforts to improve their welfare. Input evaluation, evaluation of the inputs that have been provided for the social protection of PMI at RPTC aims to measure the extent to which existing resources have been optimally utilized in improving the welfare of PMI which includes human resources, budget, facilities, policies, partnerships and information and data. In the Process Evaluation, researchers focus on activities or agendas that will or have been carried out by RPTC officers/employees. in this case the author found several processes of implementing the agenda, assisting personnel and the supervision process, namely by interviewing, validating the process and filling out questionnaires. Evaluation of results (product) is used to determine what decisions will be made next, the researcher concluded several interviews that said that this social protection service could improve the welfare of Indonesian Migrant Worker.

Does conditional cash transfer deliver? The Indonesian evidence on PKH

Social protection programs aim to secure individuals’ incomes from socioeconomic shocks and provide access to social services for developing human capital and alleviating poverty. In Indonesia, the Family Hope Program (PKH – Program Keluarga Harapan) is a social protection program that focuses on human capital development that requires children’s school enrollment and mothers and toddlers’ health as the conditions of cash transfers. This study seeks to analyze the effects of the PKH program on consumption expenditure, children’s educational attainment, and prenatal visits in Indonesia. We use the 2007 and 2014 IFLS (Indonesian Family Life Survey) survey data analyzed by the difference-in-difference (DID) method. The results demonstrate that PKH has a significantly positive effect on food consumption expenditure. However, PKH has insignificantly negative effects on children’s educational attainment and prenatal visits. The results suggest that the government monitors and ensures that the targeted recipients receive the program’s benefits. As such, the government can enhance the recipients’ awareness of the program’s benefits and ensure the equal availability of supporting infrastructure that enables households to utilize education and health facilities optimally.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on HIV Prevalence and Treatment Accessibility in Nigeria: A Comprehensive Review

HIV/AIDS remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with approximately 1.9 million people living with HIV (PLHIV), making it one of the most affected countries globally. This comprehensive review explored the impact of socioeconomic factors on HIV prevalence and treatment accessibility in Nigeria, focusing on key determinants such as poverty, education, gender inequality, and geographic disparities. Poverty exacerbated the risk of HIV infection by limiting access to prevention resources and creating barriers to treatment, while educational disparities affect awareness and prevention behaviors. Gender inequality, particularly in patriarchal societies, increases women’s vulnerability to HIV due to limited control over sexual health decisions and economic dependence. Geographic disparities, especially between urban and rural areas, contributed to uneven HIV prevalence and treatment access, with rural regions often facing significant healthcare infrastructure challenges. Additionally, the strength of health system infrastructure and funding played a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness of HIV services, with underfunding and reliance on external donors posing significant risks to sustainability. The methodology used in this article involved a review and synthesis of existing literature and data on HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, emphasizing the socioeconomic determinants of the epidemic. Addressing these factors required targeted interventions, such as strengthening social protection programs, enhancing education, promoting gender equality, improving healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable funding. These efforts were essential for reducing HIV prevalence and improving treatment outcomes in Nigeria. Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Socioeconomic determinants, Nigeria, Healthcare infrastructure, Gender inequality.

The Quest for ‘Common Prosperity’ in China

In early 2021, President Xi Jinping introduced a national goal of achieving “common prosperity,” which aims to reduce the yawning wealth gap between China’s rich and poor. At a time when China’s economy is slowing, the implementation of common prosperity involves an unprecedented effort to maintain domestic stability and social quiescence amid intensifying geopolitical tensions. The party-state has sought to avoid provoking public discontent by pooling regional funds for social protection programs rather than pursuing taxation-based redistribution among social classes.

THE ROLE OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY IN SOCIETY AND THEIR IMPACT ON MEDICINE

Justice and equality play a central role in the development of a just and sustainable society. This article examines their role in the field of healthcare and their impact on the availability and quality of medical care. Various aspects of equity in medicine are analyzed, such as equal access to healthcare for all citizens, adequate allocation of medical resources and reduction of inequality in access to medical care. Measures and policies aimed at achieving a more equitable and equitable health care system are being considered, including the development of social protection programs, and improving the availability and quality of medical care for marginalized groups. As a result, the article emphasizes the need to create a fair healthcare system where every citizen has equal opportunities to receive the necessary medical care, regardless of their status and circumstances.