Social Security Draft 16
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Social security is generally used in reference to a safety net program by government to the people with inadequate income or no alternative income. The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines social security as the protection accorded to individuals and families by a society with the objective of enabling them to get healthcare, stability income, and which largely applies to the old, unemployed, sick, injured, or other vulnerable people such as pregnant women and widows (Social Security, n.d). Friedlander’s definition of social security is similar, describing it as a program by society designed to protect against unforeseen occurrences such as sickness, loss of income, accidents, sickness, and old age (Definition of social security- a changing concept, n.d).
Ideally, social security is a government intervention aimed at societal and economic justice for certain groups within society. It is intended to shield vulnerable individuals from the indignity of lacking basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. As Chand (2017) explains, social security is a form of government protection that sustains people with little or no income to prevent suffering and indignity. Such indignities encompass the inability to access healthcare, homelessness, hunger, and loss of dignity resulting from poverty or inability to work.
There is a significant need for social security because unforeseen events like accidents or illness can render individuals incapable of working and earning income. Additionally, vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill may lack sufficient resources or safety nets like personal savings or private insurance. Society recognizes that without a social security system, these individuals face increased hardship, poverty, and social marginalization.
Scope and Characteristics of Social Security
Social assistance forms a core part of social security, providing financial help to individuals who lack other income sources for their basic needs. According to the Social Assistance Program (2017), individuals are eligible for social assistance only if they have no other income. This ensures that limited government resources are directed to the neediest, supporting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare.
Social insurance differs in that it involves contributions made in advance by employed individuals and their employers to protect against economic disabilities or loss of income. Marmor (2014) notes that social insurance schemes in countries like the United States are compulsory, ensuring that those facing employment risks—such as sickness, injury, or unemployment—are covered by contributory schemes aimed at providing financial stability during periods of incapacity.
While social assistance is means-tested and non-contributory, social insurance is funded through contributions and is usually mandatory for eligible workers. Both programs aim to assist individuals meeting basic needs, but their operational frameworks differ significantly, with social insurance emphasizing pre-paid contributions and social assistance focusing on providing aid based on need.
Components of Social Security
Social security encompasses nine key components, which include medical care, invalidity and unemployment benefits, retirement pensions, work injury benefits, family and maternity benefits, sickness benefits, and survivor benefits (Chand, 2017). These components collectively aim to provide comprehensive coverage for societal vulnerabilities, ensuring support through various life circumstances.
These components serve three primary objectives: compensation, recovery, and prevention. Compensation provides financial aid or benefits to those who suffer losses—such as injury or disability—helping them to maintain a basic standard of living. Recovery efforts focus on facilitating individuals' return to their pre-incident condition through healthcare and rehabilitation services. Prevention involves initiatives aimed at reducing the risk of income loss, such as health promotion, safety regulations, and disease management programs.
Human Rights and Social Security
According to international law, every person has a right to social security. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 22) affirms that everyone has the right to social security and to an adequate standard of living, including healthcare and social services. Similarly, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 9) stipulates that everyone is entitled to social security and benefits in cases of unemployment, sickness, disability, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond their control (What is the human right to social security, 2017).
This legal recognition indicates that social security is a fundamental human right, designed to ensure dignity and social protection for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It underscores the obligation of states to establish and maintain effective social security systems to safeguard vulnerable populations and promote social justice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, social security plays an essential role in modern society by providing a safety net for individuals facing unforeseen hardships such as illness, old age, unemployment, and disability. It is a vital instrument for promoting social equity, safeguarding human dignity, and ensuring economic stability. With the support of various components—including social assistance and social insurance—social security systems help prevent extreme poverty, facilitate recovery, and foster social cohesion. Given its fundamental importance and legal recognition as a human right, robust and inclusive social security frameworks are indispensable for sustainable development and societal well-being.
References
- Chand, S. (2017). Social security: Concept, objective and other details. Retrieved from https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in
- Definition of social security- a changing concept. (n.d). Retrieved from https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in
- International Labor Organization (ILO). (n.d). Facts on social security. Retrieved from https://ilo.org
- Marmor, T. (2014). How social insurance protects Americans from growing economic risks. Retrieved from https://www.example.com
- Social assistance program. (2017). Government of New Brunswick, Canada. Retrieved from https://gnb.ca
- National Economic & Social Rights Initiative (NESRI). (2017). What is the human right to social security? Retrieved from https://nesri.org