On state pensions and social security systems

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that the crisis of social security and state pension systems in the ageing industrial societies is actually a crisis of the model of social and economic organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The present economic model of industrial countries counts human beings only as contributors in production and consumption, and not as members of a society.

Findings

The paper shows that with another hierarchical order of values, the views of human beings are different.

Practical Implications

If the state cares for the citizen and not the worker, then it is responsible to provide health care and pensions to all citizens and not just to workers and to workers‐attached persons.

Originality/value

The paper paints the picture of another society, and not of the present one where the homo‐economicus dominates.

Citation

Kaskarelis, I.A. (2009), "On state pensions and social security systems", Foresight, Vol. 11 No. 1, pp. 5-8. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636680910936404