ABSTRACT

This book investigates the origins, current state, and fundamental value of social safety nets in developing countries, as well as their effectiveness in these settings. Social safety net programs (SSNPs) are critical because they keep those who are already vulnerable from falling deeper into poverty.

Analysing how social safety nets benefit the most disadvantaged and marginalized members of society by allowing those in need to become financially stable, more resilient, and open up more opportunities for themselves, this book shows that social safety nets (SSNs) are a collection of social services designed to protect people from the effects of economic and emotional hardship.

Showing that the purpose of the safety net is not to provide permanent financial security, but rather to provide temporary financial security during periodic shocks and how this applies in South Asia and also in parts of Africa, this book will be of interest to all scholars and students of social policy, sociology, social work, and Global South politics more generally.

chapter 1|12 pages

Introduction

Rethinking social safety nets

chapter 3|38 pages

Poverty and social safety nets

A global picture

chapter 4|33 pages

Empirics and theories

Bridging evidence and insight

chapter 5|18 pages

Beneath the safety net

Is SSN a viable programme?

chapter 6|17 pages

Discussions and conclusions

Towards sustainable transformations