How Has Global Social Policy Developed in Recent Decades - Essay Example

Introduction International organizations play a significant role when it comes to social policy making. According to Yeates (2012), the role played by international organizations, has resulted to universal harmony and co-operation when it comes to fighting social injustices and epidemics. These organizations greatly contribute to growth and developments by influencing, initiating and finally determining which social policies should be passed. A set of rules and regulations are drafted by the International Organizations to determine how resources should be distributed and what criteria to follow. This has allowed them to carry out surveys in order to determine which country is eligible to receive any aid. Therefore International Organizations are able to identify a problem, the cause of the problem and provide possible conclusions on social inequality and poverty globally (Molyneux, 2007). This report will focus on social policies that are aimed at gender equality, social security and the governance and politics of social policy. When it comes to the governance and politics of social policies globally, there are three significant areas to evaluate. These include; global social redistribution, global social regulation and global social rights (World Bank, 2012). In a bid to promote social equality in the world, international organizations advocate for global redistribution. This is because global redistribution keeps track of the recent social developments and initiatives conducted across the world. Patomaki & Teivainen (2004) and Atkins (2004), argue that establishing an effective international taxation system will facilitate fair distribution thus promoting equal allocation of resources for development. International taxation as a mechanism for global redistribution has contributed to international and supranational debate resulting to a delayed consensus. International organizations still do not agree on a standardized mode in which this money will be used and what criteria to follow in distribution (Atkins, 2004). An international redistribution that has been successful in contributing towards development includes the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria among other tropical diseases (TheGlobalFund, 2003). The procedure used by the Global Fund to distribute the resources and financial aid required gives first priority to countries that need it most then others follow. The World Bank uses a ranking system whereby low income countries receive funding first followed by middle income countries. Nonetheless a country will only receive financial aid and resources if their need based on diseases is outstanding (TheGlobalFund, 2003). This redistribution mechanism has greatly contributed to economic growth in most countries that benefit from it. Recipient nations are empowered in a complementary manner by bringing citizens together for the common good of each one of them. This is because during the bidding process to receive funds, Country Co-coordinating Mechanisms are encouraged to form partnerships with companies and organizations in the private sector. This strategy is based on the socio-economic criteria which enable citizens from a recipient nation to receive funds even if their government is not supportive or there is political instability. As a result applications can be made through the private sector. Additionally there are more democratized, strong social and global countries (Munck, 2005). International Organizations have used the redistribution of resources among countries as a platform to allow them to interact with each other through trades and exchange of services. Yeates (2005) argues that by providing a platform to carry out discussions, analysis and for education purposes, International Organizations continue to use global social regulation to encourage free trade activities among neighboring nations. Over the years global social regulations go hand in hand with global redistributions. Citizens from beneficiary countries continue to get empowered as they are educated about their social rights. The reformation of social policies and their developments has led to the globalization of the world. According to Yeates (2001) globalizations on both the international and national levels has led to economic growth which is shaped politically. As a result all social policies have been influenced by the political powers of International Organizations. Further, Yeates (2001) state that ‘States make globalization every bit as much as globalization makes states.’ However the past decade has been marked with socially progressive ideas which have created a sustainable relation of power between states and global institutions. The consistent restructuring of social policies by the International Labour Organisations, have positively impacted the welfare growth of Latin America, South Asia and Africa. Nonetheless, globalization has undergone a critical transitional process. Deacon (2003) affirms that between 1980s and 1990s, globalization was viewed as a neoliberal political project that only benefited elite citizens from beneficiary countries. Over the years, globalization through the development of social policies has been an ongoing process that integrates technology, politics, communication and economy in order to break cultural barriers. International organizations through the creation of wider market integration, has promoted a platform for citizens from various background to exchange cultural activities creating a global village for the world (International Labour Organisation, 2004). Yeates (2012), advocate for these markets since they generate regulatory reforms when it comes in the formation and modification of social policies. A good example provided by Yeates (2012), is the common market created in Western Europe and Latin America by the International Organizations. These markets have greatly influenced labour mobility between nations in these regions through the inclusion of labour and social security measures that encourage free trade activities. The development of social policies has been geared up with globalization. This can easily be seen in recent publications by international organizations that discuss social policies as universal social provisions rather than safety nets (Deacon, 2004). Social policies keep expanding into greater dimensions in serving as an arm for universal public provision. They continue to fight for the equitable allocation of resources and funds in developing countries. Thus as a global social regulator, social policies have gone a step further and promote equity and development by fighting gender inequality. Elson (2009), affirm that the development of these policies, have empowered women by fighting for their rights in both formal and informal settings. Furthermore, there are a number of policies put in place as seen in WDR 2006 which seek to increase the participation of women labor force in the work industry (Elson, 2009: 43). Social policies in their recognition of development as an uneven and disruptive process, in its reforms and modification focus on creating equal opportunities worldwide. By using the data collected and knowledge gained, international organizations continue to use social policies as a weapon to undermine and decompose some forms of gender inequality (Elson, 2007; Elson and Pearson, 1981). International organizations have incorporated the use of technology in order to balance the modern day systems of social relations that result to inequality. This is done through making sure that information is readily available for people to access. International organizations such as; the UN human rights charter and the International Labour Organization hold conventions that provide a common socio-legal frame work. Using the internet and other communication platforms, standardized rules and regulations are communicated to nations to create awareness and inform them on national social policies that they must work with. Thus incorporating technology in the development of social policies, there is an enhancement in social protection and reduced vulnerability among citizens in this global world (International Labour Organisation, 2004). International Organizations have incorporated globalization as a medium for integration and interdependence that allows people more access to information and technology (World Bank, 2012: 255). In promoting gender equality both employers and employees gain full information on the benefits of having a balanced work environment. Social policies not only encourage on the idea of having women work for a company but also preach on the need to have both men and women work in low and high productive areas in the workplace. Thus in ensuring there is gender equality in the workplace adequate information is provided through social policies on the importance of maximizing the efforts of both men and women in the workplace (Elson, 2012). There are recommended social policies that work in changing how the perspective of employees towards women. These policies are constructed to change the workplace environment by working on the reconstruction of how jobs are valued (Boas & McNeill, 2004). Thus they advocate for care work which is more valued and pays double and can be undertaken by men and women. Additionally, the development and growth of social policies have been geared in lifting constraints on women’s work period. This is done by through the provision of allocating investments opportunities in childcare services, in timesaving infrastructure and information barriers in labour markets (Seguino, 1997). The international organizations issue restrictive measures that include affirmative action on activities that undermine human rights and women. Social policies revolving around gender equality and development, formulate reports and policies that encourage men to take part in unpaid childcare programs (Seguino, 2007). This is done through the application of parental leave policies that are open for both male and females. In the development of these social policies, more attention is focused on redistributing the amount of unpaid care equally amongst women and men. Recent reports on gender equality by international organizations have used social policies in re-evaluating the skill content of jobs open for both men and women rather than focusing on uplifting women alone. Seguino (2007), affirm that current Social policies are used in increasing the pay and status of men and women in low-income countries by introducing trade unions into their economy. Social policy reform alongside welfare state lines improve their efforts by ensuring that there is reduced crises arising from insecurities, vulnerability and suffering for low-income countries. Emphasizing uniqueness and diversity on activities that seek to unify global capitalism. According to Gough (2004), the reforms carried out by international organizations on global social policies; give an understanding of the human insecurity and welfare as experienced in the contemporary world. However there is a transnational collective action put in place which ensures that the diverse countries in the modern world are not forced to go against their beliefs. Thus countries have an option to not go along with social policies that they deem inappropriate for its citizens. In the development and growth of social policies in influencing the lives of citizens globally, a combination of past welfare regimes and the framework used play a very crucial role (Braathen, 2000). Studies on relevant institutions and welfare outcomes are continuously being used by international organizations in order to enhance welfare securities in third world countries and globally. Yeates (2012) argues that most citizens find this strategy by the international organizations as the democratization and socialization of global politics. This is because the inclusion of welfare regimes in reforming social policies, include both structural and cultural aspects of diverse societies and countries globally (Wood & Gough 2006). Wood and Gough (2006), argue that structural factors such as democracy go hand in hand with the current regimes in most parts of the world. Notably, diverse structural and cultural aspects are consistent with global neo-liberalism. Yeates (2012), explain that voluntary actions by citizens, such as; hard work, freedom of choice, self interest and flexibility, has enabled most nations to be self reliant with low levels of state social spending. Social policies have been formulated in order to boost not only the status of citizens in a given country but also improve the economic nature of a country. According to Woods (2002), International Organizations in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, trade unions and industry organizations target social programmes and informal security mechanism. These partnerships promote effective educational programs and social protection policies resulting to low dependency from donors by countries (Sharkh & Gough, 2010). Countries that have benefitted from these programmes by international organizations have gone ahead and become successful in impacting the universal growth of national social policy developments. However Yeates (2012) argue that the successes of the development of social policies vary immensely. This is because the influence of the above mentioned strategy will vary depending on the policy areas and countries to be implemented on. Social policies are shaped and developed by the pattern of resources and programs implemented in a given region. Thus the roles played by the government, private sector, community and market activity in the country, will determine in which direction the social policy implemented will develop to. Yeates (2012), affirm that governments immensely influence the development of these social policies. This is because they have the power in determining which proposals and courses of action offered to them by the international organizations are suitable for its citizens. Notably international organizations play a critical role in the political and policy processes. This is because some nations will be compelled to amend their political structure in order to benefit from the financial aid offered by the international organizations (Deacon, 2007). Social policies continue to include in its mandate norms and guidelines that contain recommendations that seek to improve international cooperation. This can be seen in terms of how the international organizations, include the public and private sector in coming up with the terms and conditions required to participate in; international trade, aid and development policies. The implementation of these social policies work in promoting universalism and equity by balancing the private and public sector together (Deacon et al, 1997). Through the allocation and use of aid, developments, and social funds guided by social standards and norms, provide equal, adequate and accessible social services. Balancing the private and public sector sees to it that the entire population of a given country is able to benefit and their needs are meet. Therefore the development of a social policy is keen in reforming the public service delivery. According to Scholvinck (2004), public service delivery advocated by any social policies should focus on promoting and achieving the goals of universal and equitable access of those services by all as argued by international organizations. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Human Development report (UNDP, 2003), state that social policies developed by the international organizations, are motivated by the need to meet the Millennium Development Goals. These goals are targeted towards eliminating any threats posed by poor sanitation, basic health and basic education. Thus the social policies are formulated and implemented to ensure that they are able to assist third world countries in meeting the Millennium Development Goals. However the social policies implemented are more focused on promoting universalism rather than residualism. According to a report by the UNDP (2003), social policies balance their aims and goals with that of the Millennium Development Goals. This is achieved by ensuring that international organizations implement these policies in a manner that they focus on basic services for the poor as well as in promoting equality. For instance, high benefitting countries such as Botswana, Kerala in India and Cuba continue to be ranked high among the listed human development achieving countries. The UNDP (2003: 87) report, stated that, ‘Public finance was adequate and equitable. In high-achieving countries political commitment is reflected not just in allocations of public spending to health and education but also in their equity’. The implementation of social policies is more concerned on the funds spent on health and education by most beneficiary countries. Thus international organizations formulate these policies by maintaining a balance in ensuring there is a low public expenditure for the entire population as well as giving the first priority to those living below poverty level in a given nation (Gough & Therborn, 2010). When it comes to education, the international organizations assert that the social policies implemented in this area increase expenditure on primary education. This is a strategic move to ensure that both young girls and boys from low income countries and poor backgrounds are able to access basic primary education. The UNDP (2003: 94) report, however argues that more financial investment is required all across the education sector. The report further states that, ‘Additional resources are needed for higher education as well if countries are to build capacity to compete in the global economy – but not at the cost of primary education’ (UNDP, 2003: 94). Global social regulations and global social rights have been framed by the distribution and redistribution of resources globally. The balancing of basic human resources is targeted on meeting the social policies on global regulations and social rights. The policies use rationed and regulated measures that ensure they positively benefit the poor by influencing the nature of social provision in the national contexts (Yeates, 2012). Global social regulation and social right policies focus on maintaining equality in all areas of the human development aspects while reaching the poor. The United Nations as part of the international organizations through the projects formulated by the Millennium Development Goals implement social policies that favour the poor more while promoting equality at the same time (UNDP, 2003: 113). Another report by the World Bank (2003), asserts that the World Bank works to ensure that their services are easily accessible for poor people. However research has shown that the rich in most of the developing countries tend to benefit more than the poor. This is because in their report the World Bank has failed to address any significant approaches that will involve the redistributive policies of resources that are equitable for the entire population. According to World Bank (2003: 180), social policies have put a lot of pressure on most governments to ensure that there is a balance between the rich and poor when it comes to service delivery. Therefore social policies are directed in helping the poor as they ensure that public funds and services are easily accessible to all members of the society and not only discriminated to the poor. Conclusions In the analysis of the contributions made by the global regime in shaping social policies, it is evident that the development of social policies has undergone a number of modifications. According to the studies conducted by Gough and Therborn (2010), the research on both rich and poor nations has shown that social policies are greatly influenced by activities around the globe. The economy, social and political structure of most nations globally shapes the terms and conditions in which social policies are to work. International organizations such as; the UN, International Trade Unions and the World Bank through their annual reports play a significant part in formulating and restricting of social policies. Notably, the role of these social policies target in providing solutions on how to go about social problems affecting citizens across the globe, thus these policies will be aligned towards tackling the current issues affecting a nation. As discussed in this report, gender equality and poverty are among the key issues being targeted by international organizations. Social policies are aimed at the global future welfare of countries worldwide. Thus they focus on giving priorities to preventive measures, constructing a sustainable public service and creating local support networks accessible to all people. This has enabled the international organizations to pay close attention to the social challenges of industrial capitalism faced by the modern world. The inclusion of technology as a modern tool in fighting global threats, has effectively contributed in formulating policies for security, justice and equality. The 20th century puts pressure on the formulation of social policies that seek to positively impact the economic, social and political growth of third world countries and its citizens. References Sharkh, M. A., & Gough, I. (2010). Global welfare regimes a cluster analysis. Global Social Policy, 10(1): 27-58. Atkins, A. B. (2004). New Sources for Development Finance. Milton Keynes: Open University Press. Boas, M. & McNeill, D. (2004). Global Institutions and Development: Framing the World. London: Routledge. Braathen, E. (2000) Commentary on World Development Report 2000–2001. [Online]. Available from: . Accessed on [4th March 2015] Deacon, B. (2003). 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