Social protection as social investment

James Midgley

Chapter 4 in Social Protection and Development, 2026, pp 80-101 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter contends that social protection contributes positively to development by promoting social investment in the form of human and social capital, both of which are necessary for development. Countries with a knowledgeable, well-nourished and healthy population are most likely to experience sustained economic growth. Social networks and strong community linkages in the form of social capital are equally important. Research shows that social protection schemes promote school attendance, facilitate access to medical services and nutrition, and in this way increase human capital. It also shows that social protection strengthens social networks and community integration. The chapter shows that social protection makes a major contribution to development by mobilizing these investments.

Keywords: Social investment; Human capital; Social capital; Networks; Social protection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035308187
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