SOCIAL PROTECTION AS A FUNDAMENTAL FUNCTION OF HUMAN SOCIETIES

Abstract

This issue of Universitas Forum is on the policies and practices of social protection. It contains contributions that address these issues from different perspectives. However, in presenting these different points of view, we want to draw the reader's attention to a fundamental common theme: the social factors that make health care and welfare services difficult for the people who access them. Why are a growing number of people becoming disenfranchised? Why are so many services  costly and unsatisfactory? Can we imagine societies that more effectively protect all of their citizens, not by extending their service networks but by greatly reducing the difficulties people face?