It would hardly be an exaggeration to say that many citizens of developing countries await their transformation into universalistic welfare states providing social benefits to their citizens. However, the very process of transformation may stumble upon difficulties as countries seek to embrace their new roles. Nevertheless, there are key factors that support such transformation, among which are embracing economic reforms, providing basic rights and freedoms, and the promoting of social cohesion.
The welfare state is understood as a modern system of social organization characterized by a highly developed socially-oriented economy, conditions for the free development of an individuum, and social support for those groups of the population who find themselves in a difficult life situation. The implementation of the social and legal specifics of the welfare state presupposes the pursuit of such a social policy aimed at forming social justice. It necessitates a reasonable and fair solution to the contradictions arising in society, ensuring equal opportunities for the citizens in the process of forming material well-being and spiritual development. To transform the country into a welfare state, governments should secure the preconditions for welfare comprising three main elements: economic development, social cohesion and security, and a rights structure.
It has been found that economically developed countries engage more readily in welfare programs for their citizens; however, it cannot be said the economy and welfare are directly linked. There are many countries on the globe that are economically backward and still provide welfare programs for their citizens. Protection of human rights is often seen as an inalienable part of welfare; however, politicians often reward loyalty through the welfare system, granting bonuses to those groups that support the government. The promotion of social cohesion and unity is consistent with transformation into welfare states orchestrated through social protection ,seen as the provision of human rights and solidarity.
Welfare can be delivered in a number of forms, among which are government involvement and collective actions. Collective actions are brought about with the help of trade unions, while governmental involvement is often seen as a measure of last resort that is especially crucial in the transformation period. The factor that largely determines how successful the transformation process is is the balance between social justice and social protection which presupposes the redistribution of resources from more privileged to less privileged groups.
Most welfare states were built on the model where social protection established through collective actions preceded state intervention. However, in some others, the transformation process necessitated the introduction of state-sponsored schemes. In any case, the focus is made on social transformation processes that allow for the enhancement of both personal and social welfare. While personal welfare embraces human rights provision, social welfare presupposes social integration and economic development that serve as prerequisites for a welfare state.
While the transformation to a welfare state is not easy, the transition can be made easier if governments embrace the key factors that foster it. These factors include a comprehensive system of social benefits, provision of basic rights and freedoms, and continuous economic growth. The benefits they lead to comprise citizens’ material well-being and spiritual development, as well as a wide range of social benefits that include employment, housing, medical care, and education. A full transformation to a welfare state can be considered only then when these benefits become an integral part of citizens’ everyday life.