Weakening of the Social State Concept and Increasing Inequalities in Türkiye

The concept of social state refers to an understanding that aims to provide a minimum standard of living to its citizens, reduce income inequalities, and provide everyone with access to basic services such as education and health.

In the second article of the Constitution, it is stated that Turkey is a state of social law. On the other hand, neoliberal economic policies implemented over the years and changes made in the field of social security have led to a gradual weakening of the social state concept.

INEQUALITY FROM EDUCATION TO HEALTH

One of the areas where this erosion is felt the most is education. Aside from the incentives for private schools, the problems experienced in public schools have further escalated the debate on equal opportunities in education. Due to the inequality in income distribution, high-income families can provide more education opportunities for their children, while low-income families' options are gradually decreasing. Thus, education moves away from being an equal public service for everyone and turns into an area where different opportunities emerge depending on the economic status of the family.

A similar situation exists in the field of health. With the city hospitals model and general health insurance practice, the financing and delivery of health services has turned into a more complex structure. While citizens benefit from health services, they may face additional payments in some cases. In terms of the nature of the right to health, it is necessary to discuss not only the number of hospitals or investments made, but also to what extent and under what conditions people can access these services.

RETIREMENT SYSTEM WAS ALSO AFFECTED

The social security and retirement system has also been significantly affected by this transformation. With the Social Security and General Health Insurance Law, which came into force in 2006, various changes were made in retirement conditions, and the retirement age and premium payment conditions were gradually increased.

Reducing the monthly pension rate also had an impact on pensions. The decrease in the reflection rate of premiums paid throughout working life on the pension has resulted in insufficient income during retirement, especially for those who work with low wages. Today, many retirees have difficulty making ends meet. The increase in rent, food and health expenses makes already limited retirement incomes even more inadequate.

NOT HELP, BUT ASSURANCE AND RIGHTS

Another consequence of the decline in the understanding of the social state is that social aid is gaining more and more importance. Instead of rights-based policies that permanently ensure citizens' social security, the emphasis on in-kind and cash aid provided to those in need creates a serious debate in terms of the understanding of the social state. Social assistance does not eliminate the root causes of poverty. Therefore, instead of managing poverty only with aid policies, it is necessary to focus on the conditions that make people constantly in need of help. The problem for Turkey's social welfare and social peace is not the existence of social aid, but why people constantly need help.

The social state should not be a system where citizens have to constantly ask for help. High inflation, high cost of living and job insecurity pose a heavier burden each day for housing, nutrition, education and health expenses for low- and fixed-income segments. The duty of the social state is to eliminate inequalities and secure the basic needs of citizens.

HALİT PAYZA AUTHOR