Social Protection System Research Articles

Generalization of family allowances and impact on monetary child poverty and vulnerability in the post-covid period in Morocco

ABSTRACT In this article, we evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the compensatory measures taken by the government to mitigate the consequences of this crisis on the monetary poverty and vulnerability of the Moroccan population and their children. In addition, given the urgent need to accelerate the reform of the social protection system, which has become a national priority, we evaluate the impact of the generalization of family allowances, a programme to be implemented by 2023. To do so, we use a microsimulated model applied to data from the 2019 wave of the Enquête Panel de ménages. From a punctual and distributional analysis, our results show that the measures implemented by the government, in addition to compensating for the effect of the pandemic on poverty and vulnerability, also prove to have been pro-poor. This effect is clearly reinforced by the generalization of family allowances, particularly in urban areas. The latter also appears to be a relatively inexpensive measure for Morocco, with fairly simple targeting and favourable effects on poverty and vulnerability, both for Moroccans in general and for their children.

Survivor’s pension A NDC model applied to survivor’s pension of the Brazilian Armed Forces

This paper aims to investigate the impact on the actuarial result of the survivor’s pension system in the Brazilian Armed Forces, as well as on the benefit itself, resulting from the modification of its costing plan with the use of the NDC system. To achieve this, a simulation was conducted using the R software, based on a model of notional accounts, and utilizing data from 3,942 military personnel who joined the Armed Forces in 2020. From both the perspective of public spending and the amount received by the beneficiary, the results indicate a significant reduction, mitigating the deficit in the Social Protection System of the Armed Forces at the expense of the degradation of the survivor’s pensions to be granted. In addition to the uncertainty about the replacement rate, depending on the variation in the parameters adopted for calculating the benefit, the pure NDC system would create differences that currently do not exist, such as the existence of distinct and greater benefits for men, and pensions of different values left by military personnel with identical careers. The originality of the article encompasses the theme “notional accounts” applied to the Brazilian Armed Forces, the perspective to be developed, with application to the survivor’s pension benefit, since, as a rule, the focus is on the old-age pension, and empirical research on a social protection system little explored in the literature. Keywords: NDC System; Survivor’s Pension; Armed Forces; Social Protection; Military Survivor’s Pension.

Shock responsiveness of the Philippine social protection system: Three case studies

AbstractPhilippine households face large‐scale risks, like natural disasters and inflation, which can threaten their financial stability and push them into poverty. To manage these risks, the Philippine government needs a shock‐responsive social protection system. Several components of such a system already exist, as proven by the country's responses to Typhoon Haiyan, the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the recent food and energy crisis. However, these events also exposed gaps in the Philippine social protection system, particularly in reaching out to unregistered individuals swiftly. The resolution lies in updating and harmonizing social registries, making verification processes interoperable, enhancing delivery platforms (both digital and physical), and ensuring efficient grievance redress systems.

Organisation of the model of early assistance to children with special needs in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Relevance. The problem of disability is currently relevant. As of 2019, according to UNICEF, 153,230 children with special needs live in the Republic of Kazakhstan. By 2021, this number had increased to 161,826, with 5,641 children under the age of three. Despite a robust legislative framework, unresolved social, cultural, political, and other issues persist, particularly affecting young children. Purpose. The purpose of this paper is to identify and address the features of the organisation and implementation of models of early care for children with special needs. Methodology. This study used philosophical and scientific methods to analyse early care models for children with special needs in Kazakhstan, focusing on theoretical analysis and empirical comparison of existing practices. Results. The study presented various programmes, plans, and projects aimed at developing social inclusion and equal opportunities. It also identified persistent problems within the social child protection system in Kazakhstan. Conclusions. The findings of this study have significant implications for the development of an inclusive society in Kazakhstan. By providing a holistic understanding of the integration and equality of children with disabilities, the study identifies key areas for improvement within the current social policy, legislation, systems, and resources. The analysis underscores the importance of addressing unresolved issues to enhance the effectiveness of early care models. This research can serve as a foundation for policymakers, educators, and social workers to develop strategies that are more effective and interventions. By focusing on the identified areas for improvement, Kazakhstan can move closer to achieving true social inclusion and equality for children with special needs. Keywords: inclusion; availability of education; social protection; stigmatisation

Well-being at work factors perceived by social work professionals during COVID-19: reflections for the generation of Healthy Organisations

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 crisis brought with it many questions and highlighted the shortcomings of the different social protection systems, including the Social Services, with the consequent impact on their professionals in the form of stress, burnout, fatigue, etc., which do not emerge as a result of the pandemic, but are exacerbated by the fact that they are already present. For this article, 22 semi-structured interviews were carried out with social workers (as a reference professional in Social Services) in Spain, with the aim of finding out their perceptions and experiences derived from the changes in work organisation during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to extract strategies and good practices specifically identified by social workers, and for their specific professional field, that lead to an improvement in the quality of working life and well-being in their organisations. The results made it possible to identify some specific practices that could be incorporated into the praxis of these professionals for the construction of Healthy Organisations that could have a positive impact on their working conditions, which could also mean an improvement in the services provided by these professionals to the public.

Модель социальной политики в современной России

This article analyzes the modern model of social policy in the Russian Federation. It examines the main prob-lems and directions of development of social institutions in the context of strategic tasks for building a socially oriented state. The research focuses on the need to integrate global experience and national peculiarities to form an effective system of social protection. Particular attention is paid to the proposal of a model of social policy focused on achieving social justice and improving the social security system in accordance with constitu-tional principles and guarantees. The central element of the proposed model is the strengthening of social guarantees in key sectors, including healthcare, education, labor relations, and social insurance. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of ensuring sustainable social development and improving the quality of life of the population.

The functioning of European social protection systems in fulfilling the needs of persons with disabilities during COVID-19 – a semi-systematic review

Previous research has shown that pre-existing social and economic inequalities deepened during the COVID–19 pandemic. Persons with disabilities were among the most affected social groups. This article focuses on the social support that persons with disabilities and their families received during the coronavirus pandemic in Europe. A semi-systematic literature review was conducted: 578 records were identified, and 31 empirical papers were included. Four themes emerged from thematic analysis: (1) challenges in formal social support and care, (2) challenges in informal social support and care, (3) access to information and assistive technology, (4) positive practices, innovative methods and opportunities. In public policy, health-related needs overshadowed the needs to be met by the social support system, revealing the already existing dysfunctions of social protection systems.

Access to health and social protection policies by homeless people during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods case study on tailored inter-sector care during a health emergency.

The article analyzed homeless people's (HP) access to health and social protection policies and tailored inter-sector care, including emergency measures, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Belo Horizonte (BH), capital of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. It intended to provide data on HP and evaluate existing public policies focused on vulnerable populations during this health emergency. The study adopted a mixed-methods design with triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data. Social cartography showed that in the early months of the pandemic, the health administration had difficulty reordering the health system, which experienced constant updates in the protocols but was nevertheless consolidated over the months. The evidence collected in the study showed that important emergency interventions in the municipality of BH involved activities that facilitated access by HP to the supply of services. The existence of national guidelines for inter-sector care for HP cannot be ruled out as a positive influence, although the municipalities are responsible for their implementation. Significantly, a health emergency was necessary to intensify the relationship between health and social protection services. Roving services were among those with the greatest positive evidence, with the least need for infrastructure to be replicated at the local level. In addition, the temporary supply of various inter-sector services, simultaneously with the provision of day shelters by organized civil society, was considered a key factor for expanding and intensifying networks of care for HP during the emergency phase. A plan exists to continue and expand this model in the future. The study concluded that understanding the inter-sector variables that impact HP contributes to better targeting of investments in interventions that work at the root causes of these issues or that increase the effectiveness of health and social protection systems.

РАЗРАБОТКА МНОГОУРОВНЕВОЙ КОМПЛЕКСНОЙ МОДЕЛИ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЯ СИСТЕМы ПОДДЕРЖКИ СОТРУДНИКОВ, ИМЕЮщИх ДЕТЕЙ С ОГРАНИЧЕННыМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ

Children’s disability is currently a very important and pressing problem at all levels, including the local level of organizations, which involves the development of a new and correction of the existing regulatory framework for regulating a comprehensive system of support and social protection for persons raising disabled children. Currently, the state pays a lot of attention to people with disabilities. A large number of programs have been developed in various areas of rehabilitation, the main goal of which is the fullest possible integration of disabled people into society. The state has special control over the education and employment of people with disabilities. However, today little effort, both on the part of the state and on the part of employers, is being made to support employees with disabled children in order to preserve their labor potential.

Access to social rights under tension: The growing role of third‐party actors in dealing with the administrative burden and its implications

AbstractThe digital transformation in the public sector is a converging trend in many social protection systems. In France, it is being combined with the gradual closure of many government offices, particularly those responsible for managing social security benefits. This article focuses on one of the consequences of these developments. They lead to an increase in requests for support and help from individuals experiencing administrative burdens. They make their requests to a range of very different local actors, who do not always have the skills or the responsibility to respond to them. Based on a study carried out in social centres in France, this article presents the role of third parties in reducing the administrative burden. More specifically, it investigates the types of costs associated with the administrative burden to which social centres have to respond, and who meets them. The article analyses the tensions posed by this growing role, which range from professional and organisational to political.

The overview of social security reforms between the 90's and 2000

The present study aims to study the successive and debatable reforms that the Brazilian Social Security system has undergone since its formatting in its current form and constitutionalization, concluding that despite the variety of speeches in favor and against the 2019 Social Security Reform, it is It is possible to observe that all political parties that assumed the Executive Branch of the Federal Government imposed reforms or changes to the social protection system. It will be analyzed whether the social protection system really needs the reforms introduced. To achieve the intended objective, the methodology applied is the theoretical review of Social State theories.

Brazil's social protection system: historical formation and contemporary diachrony

This essay deals with the subject of social protection in Brazil. To this end, we make a specific historical cut and discuss its significance in contemporary times. In addition, with regard to social protection systems, it is possible to verify, throughout historiography, that it is unlikely that any society could sustain itself without any kind of protection, to the point that the individuals of these collectives would be destitute even while the social contract was being established. From this context, we address the social protection system in Brazil, in its historical formation and contemporary diachrony, since it is relevant to establish a chronology and discuss the premises of social protection on a political and social basis. In this context, before we go into the points relating to social protection, let's go back to the first idea of the formation of the state in Rousseau's Social Contract. In his work, the author raises the idea that society will only be harmonious in its 'social peace', to the extent that there is an exchange of favors between citizens and the state, which will provide social and legal security and social peace, to the detriment of those who have renounced their individual freedoms in favor of decisions in this direction, thus promoting justice.

Analysis of the Impact of Increased Prices of Basic Necessities on Per Capita Income in Indonesia: A Review from a Domestic Economic Perspective

The increase in prices of basic necessities has a significant impact on a country's per capita income. This research aims to analyze the impact of rising prices of basic necessities on per capita income in Indonesia, with an emphasis on the domestic economic perspective. The panel data regression analysis method is used to evaluate the relationship between increases in prices of basic necessities and per capita income, by controlling for various other economic and demographic factors. The research results show that the increase in prices of basic necessities has a real influence on per capita income in Indonesia. A decrease in purchasing power due to an increase in the price of basic necessities can reduce the real income of individuals and families, which in turn affects overall per capita income. The impact is felt especially among households with low income levels.
 Other factors such as inflation, economic growth and government policies also play a role in determining the impact of rising prices of basic necessities on per capita income. Therefore, there is a need for appropriate policies to effectively manage rising prices of basic necessities, including steps to control inflation, strengthen the social protection system, and increase economic productivity. In conclusion, the increase in prices of basic necessities has significant implications for per capita income in Indonesia. A holistic and sustainable approach is needed in formulating economic policies that can overcome these challenges, taking into account various external and internal factors that influence domestic economic dynamics.

Compliance, livelihood support, and challenges of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program of the local government unit

The 4Ps aim to strengthen the social protection system and reduce poverty in Philippines. Thus, this determined the 4Ps compliance in health and nutrition and education in a component city in Southern Negros Occidental, Philippines as assessed by the implementers and exit beneficiaries relative to designation and beneficiary location. It also profiled the livelihood support among beneficiaries in terms of medium enterprise development and employment facilitation. Likewise, it identified the challenges in the 4Ps implementation. Also, it investigated the difference in the compliance when grouped to demographics. Using the descriptive-comparative design, 151 implementers and 270 beneficiaries responded to the researcher-made questionnaire and checklist. In analysis, mean, standard deviation, and Kruskal Wallis were employed. Meanwhile, the researcher adhered to the Philippine Health Research Ethics Board. Generally, the compliance is very great. Regarding the livelihood support, few beneficiaries received the seed capital of P15,000.00 and employment facilitation fund of P5,000.00. The lack of vehicle, supplies, venue, and inaccessible roads were among the logistics and personnel issues. In knowledge and communication, challenges are on illiteracy, language barrier, lack of training on family and child-related issues. The inability to use ATM cards and pawning were issues too. Meanwhile, there was no difference in the compliance when grouped to demographics. Hence, the findings are instrumental in the continuous improvement of the program’s compliance.

Effectiveness of the main national pro-poor targeted program in Armenia: evidence from the period 2004–2018

ABSTRACT Using the Armenian Household Survey data for 2004–2018 this study explores the causal effect of family benefits, the country’s main poverty targeted program, on multidimensional and monetary poverty. We find that only 40% of the total fund of this targeted program reaches the severe multidimensional poor households. Our regression estimation based on bias-corrected dynamic panel data models reveals that an increase in the proportion of households receiving family benefits mostly results in a decrease in the incidence of severe multidimensional poverty. However, it has no significant effect on moderately poor households and those who are vulnerable to poverty. This program significantly benefits only those households who are poor in terms of their health expenditure. We further observe that the impact of these benefits is significant on extreme monetary poor but the effect is inconclusive on those who live below the national upper poverty line. Our findings suggest that in the current development stage of the country the targeted poverty programs should focus on enhancing capabilities and human capital development. Also, to address the social assistance coverage gap, the government needs to enhance incentive mechanisms for the main actors in the social protection system.

Building back better? The role of education sector responses in strengthening or eroding societal resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 laid bare many failings and shortcomings of state systems, institutions and structures which aim to protect citizens against harm. As observed from the outcomes of the pandemic in many parts of the Global South and Global North, the resilience of health, social protection, governance, economic, education, and social welfare systems has been significantly eroded or challenged, leaving large segments of the population open to heightened risk and vulnerability. This has been noted to have significantly eroded social capital, namely the trust, communication, and dialogue between citizens in the state as well as citizens with each other. Based on comparative research carried out on the return to schooling process in five countries, Lebanon, Nigeria, Colombia, Georgia, and Zambia, the paper highlights the important role and function that educational governance, decision-making, and control throughout the pandemic has played a key role in either maintaining or erode social capital, and ultimately the resilience of the entire education system. Much of this was based on how well state officials and local education officials both considered and communicated their actions to educators, students and their families. The importance of education as a site where both bridging and linking social capital is both strengthened, but also capitalized on is also discussed. Specifically, the paper highlights, using the example of COVID-19 education responses, how a state that is responsive and accountable to its citizenry in a time of crisis, stands the greatest chance of ensuring such periods do not lead to an erosion of social capital.

Fiscal policy and dimensions of inequality in South Africa: A time‐varying coefficient approach

AbstractSouth Africa continues to face high inequality levels despite its progressive tax and extensive social protection systems. We compare the dynamic impact of fiscal policy on the distribution of incomes, wages and wealth in South Africa from 1993 to 2019. For this purpose, we use a time‐varying parameter vector autoregression to estimate the impact of direct tax revenue and total transfer spending on three distinct inequality datasets. The analysis of various dimensions of inequality is the main contribution of the paper as the literature typically focuses on income inequality. A second contribution lies in the incorporation of time‐varying effects, which enables the analysis of the changing relationship between fiscal policy and inequality. The results suggest that this relationship is indeed time‐varying and that the impact of direct taxes and transfers differs markedly across the inequality dimensions, both in terms of magnitude and sign. Overall, we find that both transfers and direct taxes have not significantly reduced income, wage or wealth inequality in South Africa.

Strategic management in healthcare: the impact of strategic decisions on achieving organizational goals and improving the quality of healthcare services

Strategic management in healthcare and the process of making strategic decisions to achieve organizational goals and enhance healthcare quality represent a significant challenge in nations with established social protection systems. Prioritizing the development of human capital, reinforcing social protection mechanisms, and elevating the standard of living for the populace emerge as primary imperatives for governments seeking to establish an effective social protection system. Strategic decisions are formulated based on the comprehensive analysis of available analytical and statistical data regarding healthcare quality, culminating in the establishment of a strategic development trajectory for the healthcare sector. The principal objective of this study is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the central issues within the healthcare domain and identify efficacious strategic solutions that could contribute to the advancement and enhancement of healthcare services. The article critically examines the nuances of strategic management within the healthcare sector, and it offers a detailed segmentation of the sector along with proposals for potential enhancements tailored to each specific segment. Moreover, this study directs attention toward the healthcare systems within some of the world's most advanced nations, offering valuable insights that can inform the assimilation of foreign experiences for future adaptation. The article systematically examines the intricacies of strategic action planning and management within the healthcare sector, encompassing both the public and corporate sectors, as well as the engagement of transnational corporations. The primary objectives of this research encompass conducting a comprehensive investigation of the factors influencing the strategic evolution of healthcare and identifying potential measures for its enhancement. The findings presented in this article underscore the imperative of continual development and improvement in the quality of healthcare services. They emphasize the importance of making judicious strategic decisions to sustain the healthcare market's functionality and ensure its continued vitality.

Exploring health equity in Lesotho's Child Grants Programme.

Despite their growing popularity, little is known about how cash transfers (CTs) can affect health equity in targeted communities. Lesotho's Child Grants Programme (CGP) is an unconditional CT targeting poor and vulnerable households with children. Started in 2009, the CGP is one of Lesotho's key programmes in developing the country's social protection system. Using the CGP's early phases as a case study, this research aims to capture how programme stakeholders understood and operationalized the concept of health equity in Lesotho's CGP. The qualitative analysis relied on the triangulation of findings from a desk review and semi-structured key informant interviews with programme stakeholders. The programme documents were coded deductively and the interview transcripts inductively. Both materials were analysed thematically before triangulating their findings. We explored determining factors for differences or disagreements within a theme according to the programme's chronology, the stakeholders' affiliations and their role(s) in the CGP. The definitions of health equity in the context of the CGP reflected an awareness among stakeholders of these issues and their determinants but also the challenges raised by the complex (or even debated) nature of the concept. The most common definition of this concept focused on children's access to health services for the most disadvantaged households, suggesting a narrow, targeted approach to health equity as targeting disadvantages. Yet, even the most common definition of this concept was not fully translated into the programme, especially in the day-to-day operations and reporting at the local level. This operationalization gap affected the study of selected health spillover effects of the CGP on health equity and might have undermined other programme impacts related to specific health disadvantages or gaps. As equity objectives become more prominent in CTs, understanding their meaning and translation into concrete, observable and measurable applications in programmes are essential to support impact.

Contents of the objective of the legal mechanism for the social protection of judges in Ukraine

This article seeks to elucidate the actual content and objective of the legal mechanism for the social protection of judges in Ukraine. The author explores the socio-legal significance of this legal mechanism and emphasises the importance of clearly understanding its purpose. It is posited that the objective of the legal mechanism for the social protection of judges manifests itself principally in two key contexts. Firstly, the objective of this legal mechanism is to fulfill the specific interests of judges, society, and the state in various sectors of social life. This is achieved by addressing judges’ needs for social protection, practically realised when the goal of social protection for this group of workers is met. Secondly, the aim of the legal mechanism for judges’ social protection is defined by its focus on ensuring lawful normative interactions among entities responsible for providing judges’ social protection, both among themselves and with the judges, as well as amongst judges themselves. This is done to safeguard their right to social protection and to facilitate the actualisation of this subjective right. Considering these factors, it is concluded that the objective of the legal mechanism for the social protection of judges in Ukraine should be regarded as the establishment and upkeep of optimal conditions for the functioning of the social protection system for this specific group of workers. This ensures the proper achievement of the social protection goal for judges, including those who are retired. In light of this, the author deduces that the legal mechanism in question effectively operates as a specialised mechanism for guaranteeing an adequate level of social security for judges in Ukraine. In the article’s conclusion, the study’s findings are summarised, and it is highlighted that the conceptual essence of the legal mechanism for judges’ social protection, as embodied in its objective, demonstrates that this mechanism is a vital component of Ukraine’s socio-legal regime. This mechanism is instrumental in ensuring the social security of Ukraine, as well as the legal regime for the country’s overall national security.