Social Policy

Definition
Social policy is concerned with the study of a range of social needs & the functioning, in conditions of scarcity, of human organization, traditionally called social services or social welfare system to meet these needs They relates to guidelines for the changing, maintenance or creation of living conditions that are conducive to human welfare

Social policy encourages imagination & flexibility in seeking solutions to social problems It is concerned with intervention by governments & other organizations to meet human needs It is interdisciplinary & applied subject which is concerned to analyze the distribution & delivery of resources in response to social need. Social policy refers both to the activity of policy making to promote well-being & to academic study of such action

Characteristics
Subject as well as an area of practice An instrument Distributional & redistributive role Unilateral transfer of resources from one section of the society to another Concern for weaker & vulnerable Co-existence

Objectives
To create conditions in which each area, urban or rural, & each group with distinctive & identifiable problems, is able to lift itself overcome its limitations, and improve living conditions & economic opportunities. To secure for each human being the economic necessities, a high std of health & favorable living conditions, freedom of thought & action & equal opportunities for all round development & self respect

Scope
Social sectors Social insurance Social protection Social services Social rights

Models
Residual welfare Achievement performance Institutional redistribution

Residual welfare
This concept of welfare sees State assistance as temporary, minimal, requiring evidence of need, and available only after all other avenues of help have been exhausted Individual is viewed as the most important unit & instrument of his own welfare Therefore it is his responsibility of utilizing for achieving his potential

Achievement Performance Model

Social needs should be met on the basis of merit, achieved status differentials, work performance & productivity Community should undertake the responsibility to develop & promote social & welfare services Beneficiaries should pay for these services like any other services in the market Access to these services is dependent ones ability to pay

Institutional redistribution
It is based on moral concept of social justice & thus recognizes the right of the individual to obtain the basic social & welfare services, irrespective of whether he is able to pay for them or not. Services are universally provided, irrespective of income, education & caste status Considered as essential function of the state

Process
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Identifying problems & opportunities Defining & prioritizing issues Placing issues on public agenda Defining goals & objectives and identifying alternatives Evaluating alternatives Selecting alternatives Implementing selected alternatives Evaluating programmes

Determinants
Economic factor Political Social & cultural Family Celebrations Tradition & change International aid

Sources
Constitution Legislation Administration National plan

Examples
National policy for older people For children For disability National water policy Education Health Development of youth Housing Nutrition OBC Population policy SC ST Women empowerment