What is the essence of modern social security system?

The essence of modern social security system is to maintain social equity and promote the stable development of society.

First, ensure the fairness of rights.

Citizens' rights to education, health and minimum living security are collectively referred to as "welfare rights" or "social rights" in the west, and are regarded as an extension of basic civil rights or a part of social civil rights. The welfare clauses in the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights clearly stipulate this right, such as Article 22-"Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to enjoy social security and various economic, social and cultural rights necessary for the free development of his personal dignity and personality". Social security puts the protection of everyone's right to subsistence and development in the first place. Enjoy universal social security, that is, basic life is guaranteed, so as to participate in social competition at a fair starting point.

Second, ensure fair opportunities.

Equality of opportunity means that any member of society should be covered by social security and get equal social security opportunities as long as he meets the conditions stipulated by law. In China, some rich people regard the poor as retarded, irresponsible and even lazy. This is not true. The vast majority of the poor in China are hardworking, conscientious and responsible. To a great extent, they suffer from poverty because they are hindered by vested interests and lack of opportunities. The social security system can make the pessimists among them move forward, and the powerless among them are strong, enhancing their opportunities, thus creating a starting point for them to compete as fairly as possible.

Third, maintain the fairness of the rules.

Rule fairness refers to equal treatment, which can neither discriminate against the disadvantaged groups nor tilt towards the privileged class. Through the social security mechanism, we will focus on protecting the poor people in society (that is, the groups below the absolute survival demand line). Because compared with high-income groups, low-income groups and vulnerable groups have the most imperfect protection from risk management. This means that without social security, they may fall into the so-called "poverty trap" and form a vicious circle.

Fourth, adjust the fairness of distribution.

We say that fair distribution improves efficiency, while unfair distribution damages efficiency. At present, the inefficiency of some state-owned units is largely related to unfair distribution. Then, social security can be adjusted through the function of income redistribution, which can reduce differences, alleviate social contradictions and help social stability to a certain extent.