Finland : new approach to social welfare policies

Abstract

The development of social policy in Finland is based on the premise that the public sector is primarily responsible for the welfare and social security of the citizens. This activity is supplemented by private producers of services and volunteer organizations. Any strong opposition against the basic premises of the welfare state (equality guaranteed by basically public social services and social security schemes) does not exist. The organization of the production of services and the quality aspects are under discussion. It has been calculated that the economy is able to bear the future burdens of the system as well - assuming a reasonable rate of economic growth. However there has arisen an issue whether the system really meets those most in need. Or does the well-to-do middle class get a lion's share of the benefits? Should support perhaps be targeted to the worst-off people only?