Conceptualizing Social Security in a Developing Country Context

Many terms are currently in use in different parts of the world and by different international agencies concerned with social security for the poor. Some of the commonly used terms are social security, social assistance, safety nets, social funds and social protection. Though access to SS is now acknowledged as a fundamental right, it is realized in varying degrees and in various ways in various countries, as determined by their history, level of socio-economic development and prevailing political and social philosophies. The paper presents a conceptual framework on social security in two parts, the first part introducing social security as made up of two concepts, basic and contingent social security, and the second part delineating social security as a human right in a comprehensive perspective, adding the complementary social dimension to the erstwhile individual one. We also travel down the historical lanes and draw valuable lessons from the past and look towards the future with a view to universalizing social security and discuss the issues involved therein