THE SYSTEM OF SOCIAL PROTECTION OF THE POPULATION AS A SOCIAL INSTITUTION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF FOREIGN EXPERIENCE AND THE UZBEKISTAN MODEL

Abstract

Social protection systems are fundamentally evolving from mere mechanisms of financial assistance into complex, structural social institutions capable of regulating societal interactions, developing human capital, and ensuring sustainable development. This article presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of global welfare regimes to provide theoretically grounded insights for the ongoing institutional reforms in the Republic of Uzbekistan. Methodologically guided by G. Esping-Andersen’s welfare regime typology, D. North’s institutional theory, and A. Sen’s capability approach, the study systematically evaluates four distinct paradigms: Germany’s conservativecorporatist Bismarck model, Sweden’s social-democratic Nordic model, South Korea’s East Asian productivist welfare model, and China’s targeted poverty alleviation strategies. By examining these diverse experiences, the research identifies their structural strengths, adaptability, and functional significance. The ultimate objective is to extrapolate relevant strategic mechanisms to enhance the evolving Uzbek social protection model, particularly within the framework of recent national initiatives such as the establishment of the National Agency for Social Protection, the integration of the "Mahalla of seven" system, and the "Inson" social service centers. The findings suggest that transitioning toward a more integrated, decentralized, and proactive social policy framework will significantly reinforce the institutional capacity of social protection in "New Uzbekistan," fostering both economic resilience and long-term social justice.