Social policy


can be defined primarily as the actions of the state and other subjects of social policy in order
to positively influence people's living conditions. It is seen as necessary for the creation of a
long-term conception of social policy, which views social policy as a system linked to the social
environment.

In the "narrower sense", social policy is perceived as a set of activities, tools and measures
designed to respond to adverse social events, such as old age, illness, disability or even
unemployment and poverty. In practice, therefore, it is a system of social benefits, health and
social insurance.

The aim of social policy is therefore to create dignified living conditions for all citizens, or at
least for most of them. Social policy is a part of public policy whose subject matter is social
issues.


In terms of approaches to solving social problems, two types of social policy can be distinguished.
The first approach is an active (perspective) social policy, which is characterized by an effort to
prevent the emergence of social problems and take preventive measures. These can be achieved either
by a systemic change in social policy or by intervention. Passive (retrospective) policy focuses on
solving already existing social problems. Its nature is always interventionist.


Types of social policy

In each particular country, social policy is the result of a combination of several types. Each of
these types characterizes a certain ideological concept. In developed countries since the 1980s, we
distinguish:
 a) Redistributive (social democratic) type: The central idea is the perception of people's needs
as social rights. This type of social policy is characterized by a dominant role of the state and a
large extent of redistribution, the activity of non-state entities is limited. Social policy is
aimed at the entire population of a given state.
 b) Work performance (conservative) type: Social needs should be met on the basis of income and
merit. It is based on the social insurance system. The redistribution rate is lower than for the
redistributive type. The state guarantees only social minimums. Non-governmental organizations play
a greater role in social policy.
 c) Residual (liberal) type: The minimal role of the state in social policy. In this type, emphasis
is placed on the individual responsibility and work of the individual. The activity of non-state
actors is central to this policy.


Subjects involved in social policy/social policy agents define and manage social policy. The most
important agent in social policy is the state, other agents are territorial administrative units in
the Czech Republic, including regions and municipalities. The non-state agents are mainly employers
and their unions and employees' trade unions. Other social policy agents are local communities,
non-profit NGOs and churches. International organizations such as the European Union, UNICEF or the
ILO (International Labour organization) are also important players.