Social security policy.

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Social security policy is a major, convoluted issue in all societies.  Millions of people are heavily reliant on social security as a means of support to achieve a basic standard of living.  There is thought to be three main welfare regimes, in western society.  These regimes are corporate-conservative, socio-economic and liberal.  This essay aims to give a brief description of these regimes in action, in relation to the USA, France and Sweden, respectively.  Then, go on to compare the regimes, in relation to social security.  It will take in to account unemployment, pensions and family policy.

Social security is basically the procedure of benefits and transfers in the form of financial assistance as income maintenance which is funded by taxation and/or insurance contributions. (Baldock et al, 1999)  There have been three principle types of welfare regime.  These are corporatist-conservative, socio-democratic and liberal.  The corporate-conservative regime is usually based on individual’s contributions, therefore very work-orientated.  The socio-democratic regime is usually based on universal values.  The liberal regime is usually residualist.  This means that the welfare is seen more as a bag-up, only to provide for those who would not manage at all without it. (Esping-Anderson, 1990)

France is an example of the corporatist-conservative regime in action.  Social security is hinged on solidarity.  In this context, it means mutual responsibility, shared risks and common action.  It was first brought in to place by the introduction of a regime general for social and health security.  This was then expanded.  In the 1970’s additional measures were introduced to include all ‘excluded’ people.  The most significant measure was introduced in 1988.  This was called the Revenu Minimum d’Insertion.  It amalgamated a rudimentary benefit with a personal contract for social inclusion.   The French regime is somewhat expensive.  The control of expenditure has become the focus of social policy.  Pensions play a very prominent part as they are very costly. (www2.rgu.ac.uk/public policy/introduction/wstate.htm)  The French regime basically advocates the rights are in accordance status and class.  Support comes mostly through private insurance, which is supported by the state.  It aims to fortify civil society while limiting the market. (Esping-Anderson, 1990)

Sweden is an example of the socio-democratic regime in action.  This Swedish model is often judged as the exemplary form of welfare state.   One of the integral components is the sense of organised co-operation. (www2.rgu.ac.uk/public policy/introduction/wstate.htm)  The socio-democratic regime advocates equality and universalism of high standards.  This is through the state.  The state is the main way of support; there are high levels of benefits.  It aims to amalgamate welfare and work and promote full employment. (Esping-Anderson, 1990)

The United States of America is an example of the liberal regime in action.  The liberal regime advocates residualism, laissez-faire, individualism and a severe stand on poverty.  These are all dominant subjects in USA debates on welfare, yet the USA does not have a unified welfare system.  The predominant measures of federal provision came in the 1930’s from the Roosevelt administration. (www2.rgu.ac.uk/public policy/introduction/wstate.htm) it was called ‘the new deal’.  It was instigated to be a safe-guard against market failures, which was desperately needed after the mass unemployment of the depression years.  The main principle behind it was that the state should provide more than just support; it should actually protect the individual. (Miller, 2003)  The liberal regime basically has a strong work ethic.  Support comes through means-tested assistance.  It aims to strengthen the market. (Esping-Anderson, 1990)

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Unemployment is a very contentious issue.  The three countries all have differing ways of dealing with it.  France has a twofold system of providing unemployment benefits.  One of them is an unemployment insurance scheme.  This scheme is when individuals are part of a national collective agreement, which is mediated by the state.  This system is financed by contributions.  The unemployed are allowed to receive benefits if they are a member of this scheme and it was not their own fault that they lost their job.  The provision and duration of these benefits also depends on how long the individual ...

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