Mainstreaming Social Pensions in the Social Development Agenda - Research Proposal Example

Dissertation Proposal Mainstreaming social pensions in the social development agenda as a panacea to old age poverty in Sub Saharan Africa;- A comparative study of Ghana and South Africa. Customer Inserts His/Her Name    Customer Inserts Grade Course Customer Inserts Tutor’s Name Customer inserts Date Introduction The dissertation will focus on the role of social pensions in the social development agenda as a panacea to old age poverty in Sub Saharan Africa. The researcher, through a comparative study of Ghana and South Africa, attempts to evaluate the present status of social pensions in Africa as a factor that ensures the better living conditions of the elderly in these countries. It has been generally accepted in the developing nations that pensions can assume a vital role in providing a better living condition for the older people by lessening the poverty. Majority believe it as a factor that can uplift and secure the life of older people, which is well evident when comparing to the elderly like in Brazil, Chile or South Africa. Analyzing the countries where there are no old-age pension systems or it located only among a few people, these elderly are counted among the poor people (Barrientos, et al 2003) Various studies have identified the fact that in most of the developing countries the beneficiary cannot enjoy the privileges of pensions. It is evident that these amounts are channelized to other members of the households. Some of the studies conducted about this issues have identified that the children of the beneficiary households have higher enrolment rates and better health that those who do not receive pensions in their households (Duflo, E. (2003). Though there are not much pension schemes for the elderly majority of the developing countries, it has been found out that South Africa is on the verge of broadening their pension schemes and implementing a safety net program for supporting the elderly. One of the studies found in an online article writes, “The means-tested, non-contributory (social) pension in South Africa was first introduced in 1928 but it was only in 1993 that the same amount was paid to all racial groups.” The study also observes, “Women over 60 and men over 65 may be eligible for a monthly pension of R780 (US$109). Means testing is based on an individual’s (and partner’s if married) income levels." (Social pensions in South Africa, 2005). It has been observed that “The social pension reduces the number of people living below the poverty line by 2.24 million. It increases the income of the poorest 5% of the population by 50%. People in households receiving a pension are 12.5% less likely to be poor in South Africa.” Through this study the researcher aims to find out whether the social pensions in Sub Saharan Africa is really like a panacea to the elderly that they could satisfy their needs and reduce poverty, though not in a larger scale. Aims & Objectives The aim of the dissertation is to explore the underlying factors that make the social pensions a panacea to the elderly in the Sub Saharan regions, especially in the two countries, Ghana and South Africa. When analyzing some of the previous literature and data concerned with this topic, the researcher has understood that it is a topic that needs a broader study. The core aspects of the dissertation will critically analyze the benefits of social pensions to the elderly in the African countries, Ghana and Africa. The researcher, therefore seek to address the following questions to help explain the mainstreaming of social pensions in Sub Saharan countries. What are the current criteria for allowing elderly social pensions in Sub Saharan Africa, especially in the countries, Ghana and South Africa? Who are the real beneficiaries of pensions or whether the pension schemes secure and improve the livelihoods of the older people? Has there been a change in the pension schemes in recent years? What is the modern concern with social pensions? What are the real benefits of social pensions and how does it help for the social development? Literature review Having compared some of the previous literature in relation to the social pension is Sub Saharan Africa, it is clear that a range of perspectives are examinable. In relation to social pensions, we are presented with an array of perceptions and we are dependent on the media reports, books and other studies conducted over this issue. The old age pensions in Africa are really effective in promoting the well being of the elderly. Naila Kabeer observes, “The old age pension [in Africa] is regarded as the most effective social program in targeting and reaching economically vulnerable groups, and is the primary source of income for older persons who would otherwise have lived in abject poverty.” (Kabeer, 2008 pp 260) The online article, “Social pensions in Africa” identifies the role of pensions in reducing the poverty level. The article makes it clear when it observes, “The social pension reduces the number of people living below the poverty line by 2.24 million. It increases the income of the poorest 5% of the population by 50%. People in households receiving a pension are 12.5% less likely to be poor in South Africa” (Social pensions in Africa, 2005). This study throws light to the positive effect of social pensions in Africa. Research methods The research will be based on a secondary type of research to complete the study. The researcher adopts a study qualitative in type as the subject enquiry is extremely debatable. The issues to be explored would therefore employ research within the library gaining information from sources which have already considerably researched a similar context to me. For this research the researcher will collect helpful data from books, online journals and general literature to help gain a focus and evaluate evidence to develop this dissertation. The researcher will also gather diagrams and graphic representations to help support the topic. It will also complement the information gathered from the literature review. I will be specifically look at the following academic books and articles as they are most relevant to my dissertation: Ousmane Faye, Basic Pensions and Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa (2007) Robert Holzmann, Richard P. Hinz, Hermann von Gersdorff, Old-age income support in the 21st century: an international perspective on pension systems and reform (2005) A Survey of race relations in South Africa By South African Institute of Race Relations (1972) Works cited: Barrientos, A. (2003). What is the impact of non-contributory pensions on poverty? Estimates from Brazil and South Africa, CPRC Working Paper IDPM/Chronic Poverty Research Centre (CPRC), Manchester. Duflo, E. (2003). Grandmothers and granddaughters: old age pension and intra-household allocation in South Africa, The World Bank Economic Review, 17 (1): 1-25.). Kabeer, Naila. Mainstreaming gender in social protection for the informal economy. Commonwealth Secreteriat, 2008. Social pensions in South Africa. 2005-2008. 22 Feb 2010 . Read More