Social protection offers protection to people against inequality.
To understand what social protection is, it is useful to analyze the two terms that make up the expression. Protection is called the act and result of protecting : caring, protecting, safeguarding . Social , meanwhile, is that linked to society (a community of individuals who live in the same territory, under common rules).
Protect people
The idea of social protection , in this framework, refers to actions that provide protection to people. Generally the concept is linked to public policies aimed at protecting vulnerable groups .
Social protection aims to minimize the risks linked to poverty and other issues that generate vulnerability. The purpose is that, with help , subjects can satisfy their basic needs and solve certain problems.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations ( FAO ), social protection can be developed through labor protection , social security and social assistance programs. The measures include the provision of subsidies and financial contributions and the development of membership systems that provide contingency coverage.
A social protection policy may include paying a certain amount of money to poor families who have three or more children . This sum is delivered without any type of consideration: that is, the beneficiary does not have to comply with a work obligation to access the resources, but can use them simply due to their condition. The State , with this social protection, seeks to ensure that these family groups have the essential money to feed their children, for example.
The inevitable inequality
No matter what part of the world we focus on, or what era of our ancient history we study, inequality seems to be part of nature, of life on this planet. All living beings go through situations that from our point of view would be classified as "unfair", although the difference between animals and human beings is that we are not willing to accept the misfortunes that fate brings us, but rather we tend to defy it. , to try to twist it in our favor .
Infections, broken bones, fatal falls, and other terrible, random events in the food chain claim the lives of thousands of animals every day, but victims and their companions often let nature take its course. course. People, on the other hand, have developed endless means to resort to whenever we have health, safety, and money problems , among others. Precisely, social protection exists as part of this way of living that characterizes us, but also because we cannot eradicate inequality.
The work of social workers is essential for the most vulnerable individuals
Social assistance
Social assistance (also known as social work ) is a science and profession that pursues development and social change, to strengthen individuals, offering them a free and equal life. To mention just some of its pillars, we have the appreciation of diversity , collective responsibility, respect for human rights and justice.
The work of social workers is part of social protection through strategies to enhance people's well-being and help them overcome their problems. As with other fields, this must take into account the evolution of structures and needs, in order to adapt to them accordingly and thus provide the most appropriate help . Privileged sectors of society may never require the support of these professionals, but it is essential for the most vulnerable.