Effects of social protection on social inclusion, social cohesion and nation building

Abstract

Building on the notion of the social contract of a welfare state and a rights-based approach, the article explores whether social protection programmes should and can support social cohesion and contribute to nation building. It argues that such effects would need to address social inclusion and trust. Examples of those few social protection programmes with an explicit social inclusion and/or social cohesion and nation-building intent show that design and delivery forms sensitive to discrimination, as well as adequate financing are crucial. Policy recommendations highlight that social protection transfers need to be part of a wider social policy mix around decent work and access to social services and social infrastructure, and need to address behaviour change. The right to voice and active citizenship are essential. At the operational level, this refers to avenues for redress. At the political level, it requires tackling power hierarchies in social protection programme design and delivery.