| Abstract [eng] |
The topic of Social risk is relevant to the most countries in the world and especially to the ones like Lithuania, which are going through essential social changes. Socio-economic changes have affected most areas of society‘s life by changing individuals and their environment, threfore emergence of any social risk makes demand for individual‘s safety exceptionally important. The Consitutional Court of Lithuanian Republic in its resolution on 3rd December 2003 has noted, that according to the Constitution the State as the organisation of the whole society has the duty to care for its memebers in the events of old age, disability, job loss, illness, widowery, loss of carer and other events laid out in the Constitution and other laws. Means of social security embody the idea of solidarity in the society, help to protect the individual from the possible risks. Any member of the society at any point of time can encounter social risk. In the current hard times of economical and political changes this topic is especially relevant as the changing situation stimulates emergence of new social risks. Social risk is a concept known since the old times. The puspose of the Master‘s degree project – to analyse how in reality are social risks reflected and embodied in the social security laws of Republic of Lithuania. Havingt analysed the current situation it is safe to conclude that the essence of the social security system is redistribution of means. Social risk is evaluated only by external effects, without solving the problems that cause social risk, limiting the activities to liquidation of consequences. Globalization that got stronger since the end of the last century influences all the areas of life, social security amnog them. Rising prices of energy, changes in the financial markets makes management and regulation of social risks harder yet. The privatisation of the public sector increases the individual insurance against the risks, reduces social solidarity. The development of the social security is decided by the economic condition of the State, therefore the current economic situation is certainly not favourable for increases in social security payouts and services. The government is looking for ways to cut social security payouts without affecting the most vulnerable categories of recipients. Current pensions‘system is overloaded with privileges – the treasury pays additional pensions, that do not depend on contributions to certain individuals – that infringes social justice. Different State pension age for men and women. It is stated in the Lithuanian Republic law of equal opportunities for women and men that this exception does not discriminate neither against men nor women, however with increasing frequency it is seen as not reflecting current realities. Therefore according to the author's opinion the State pension age for men and women should be equalised. The social security pension system is working on the basis of payout of the current contributions. However, due to current economic climate there is a lack of finances for investment. |
