THEORETICAL AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE POPULATION
Abstract
The institution of the state is extremely ancient and is designed to perform a number of functions entrusted to it. That is, the state as an institution acts in specific directions, thereby determining its meaning and essence in the life of society. The functions of the state are not completely static, they change depending on the phenomena of objective reality and challenges that constantly appear. Along with this, all scientists distinguish among the functions of the state a social function, which includes the spheres of health, culture, science, education, etc. The social function of the state exists and has always existed, regardless of crisis or other external factors. On the contrary, in the presence of a greater number of destructive factors, the social function of the state deepens. For example, during the epidemic of the coronavirus disease, the state developed new and fully used existing mechanisms to help the population and its groups. A similar thesis applies in the conditions of Ukraine’s protection of territorial borders and citizens from armed aggression.
The social function of the state is to ensure the rights and freedoms of each person in such a way as to create appropriate conditions for their existence and development directly, as well as the realization of social justice as a whole. In other words, the social function of the state consists in such directions of the state’s activity that equalize everyone’s access to basic public and social goods, while ensuring the stability of society. Of course, it is not possible to provide all citizens equally and at the proper level, as it is influenced by a large number of factors, including the limitation of free financial resources and the very behavior and decisions of citizens. Along with this, the incentive aimed at the full and proper implementation of this function is correct.
It is not for nothing that article 1 of the main state law - the Constitution of Ukraine enshrines the provision that «Ukraine is a sovereign and independent, democratic, social, legal state». In the future, part 1 of Article 3 of the Constitution of Ukraine defines that «A person, his life and health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are recognized as the highest social value in Ukraine». Also, Article 13 of the Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that «the State ensures the protection of the rights of all subjects of ownership and management, the social orientation of the economy».
The social function is implemented through certain tools and mechanisms. The mechanism of the social function consists of normative legal acts, public authorities, other institutions and institutions, financing of relevant expenses, etc. As for the tools, they can be considered as financing aid, conducting events, developing programs, providing necessary things (for example, medicines) and others.
Thus, we can come to the conclusion that the fundamental theses of the orientation of Ukrainian politics and statehood are aimed at the realization of its social function. The social function is revealed in particular through the systems of social protection and social security.
The article examines the conceptual foundations of the definition of «social protection» and «social security». The role of social protection and social security of the population in ensuring the well-being of the population is analyzed. The functions played by the social protection system have been defined, the directions and forms of social protection have been singled out, and the analysis of general indicators of the standard of living in Ukraine has been carried out.
