MECHANISMS OF STATE REGULATION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE POPULATION AS A COMPONENT OF THE STATE’S SOCIAL POLICY

Abstract

The article argues that state regulation of the social protection system is an important element of social policy, since the main goal of the state is to ensure the well-being and development of citizens. This is achieved by increasing the level and quality of life of the population, as well as stimulating its desire for social progress through the observance and implementation of the social rights of each person. According to Article 3 of the Constitution of Ukraine, a person, his life, health, honor and dignity, inviolability and security are determined by the highest social value, which lays the foundation for defining our state as a social one. Thus, social policy is a system of measures implemented by state authorities, public organizations, local governments and production collectives. Its main goal is to create conditions for the harmonious development of the individual, taking into account the specifics of various social groups. It is argued that for the formation of an economically strong, stable and socially just state, a policy of equalizing the socio-economic development of regions and reducing interregional social tension is necessary. It is also important to form a middle class at the local level, which will become the key to overcoming poverty in society and the bearer of new standards of economic behavior and meeting social needs. The main reasons for the insufficient social security of the country’s population are: a decrease in the active position of state authorities in solving social issues; the absence of clear approaches to financing budget sectors at different levels; the lack of balanced effective activity of all sectors of the social sphere, regardless of the form of ownership; decentralization without proper redistribution of resources between the center and the regions. To improve the situation, it is necessary to transfer the center of social sphere management to the local level. This applies to social infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, culture, art, labor and social security, pensions. These aspects should be the focus of local government activities. Delegating part of the state powers to organize social services to local government will improve planning and take into account local needs and characteristics.