Transitions are defining moments for social welfare
systems.
Most
s
ocial
s
afety
n
et (SSN)
1
programs
around the world were introduced during
transition
periods (
such as
independence after the collapse of
the former Soviet Union
,
decentralization in Indonesia
,
and regime change in Brazil and Portugal)
,
and
t
hey remained in place afterward.
When SSN systems come under increased scrutiny
regarding
their
ability to fulfill people’s aspirations of greater social inclusion and better access to economic
opportunities, key questions are discussed
:
?
H
ow much redistrib
ution is optimal and on what terms?
?
W
hat are the basic goals and priorities for safety nets?
?
W
hat should be the range and scope of welfare systems?
?
H
ow can existing systems be reformed to achieve these goals?