THE ROLE OF SOCIAL STATE PRINCIPLE IN ENSURING HUMAN WELFARE AND ENHANCING HUMAN DIGNITY

Abstract

This thesis examines the critical role of the social state principle in ensuring human welfare and enhancing human dignity within contemporary governance frameworks. The social state principle transcends traditional state functions by establishing comprehensive mechanisms for protecting citizens' social, economic, and cultural rights while fostering environments conducive to human development. Through analysis of theoretical foundations, operational mechanisms, and contemporary challenges, this study demonstrates how the social state principle transforms the relationship between citizens and government from passive protection to active empowerment. The research explores various welfare protection mechanisms including universal healthcare, education systems, social security networks, and labor protection laws, while examining how these contribute to human dignity enhancement through participatory governance and inclusive policies. Contemporary challenges such as globalization, technological disruption, demographic transitions, and climate change are analyzed to understand how the social state principle must adapt while maintaining core commitments to human welfare and dignity. The thesis concludes that the social state principle remains vital for creating conditions where individuals can thrive, representing both a practical policy framework and a moral imperative that recognizes the inherent dignity of every human being and the state's responsibility to protect and enhance that dignity through concrete action.