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The Poverty Effectiveness of Social Security Benefits in Türkiye

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  • Zeynep Gizem Can

    (Department of International Trade and Finance, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science & Technology University, No:1U, 01250 Adana, Turkey
    School of Geography, Archaeology & Irish Studies, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

Abstract

This research investigates the role and effectiveness of Türkiye’s social security system and transfer expenditures in addressing poverty. Social security mechanisms are designed to alleviate poverty by helping individuals meet their essential needs. In Türkiye, transfer payments offer temporary relief, particularly to disadvantaged populations; however, they may also foster long-term dependency. Although the immediate impacts of such transfers are widely discussed in the academic literature, their contribution to alleviating structural poverty remains underexplored. This study focuses on how transfer expenditures influence individuals’ ability to achieve lasting well-being. The Turkish context is especially relevant due to recent institutional shifts in social security policy and the increasing politicization of social assistance. Employing data analysis at the regional level, this study assesses the effectiveness of social transfers and explores their structural role in poverty reduction. It also provides policy suggestions aimed at developing more inclusive and durable strategies. The results are intended to offer broadly applicable insights for other developing countries through the lens of Türkiye’s experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Zeynep Gizem Can, 2025. "The Poverty Effectiveness of Social Security Benefits in Türkiye," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:7:p:421-:d:1697203
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Foster, James & Greer, Joel & Thorbecke, Erik, 1984. "A Class of Decomposable Poverty Measures," Econometrica, Econometric Society, vol. 52(3), pages 761-766, May.
    2. Esping-Andersen, Gosta, 1999. "Social Foundations of Postindustrial Economies," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198742005.
    3. Fiszbein, Ariel & Kanbur, Ravi & Yemtsov, Ruslan, 2014. "Social Protection and Poverty Reduction: Global Patterns and Some Targets," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 167-177.
    4. Beckerman, W, 1979. "The Impact of Income Maintenance Payments on Poverty in Britain, 1975," Economic Journal, Royal Economic Society, vol. 89(354), pages 261-279, June.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs

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