| Type | Global social protection system |
| Benefits | Reduced income inequality • Financial well-being • Economic development |
| Centerpiece | Basic income |
| Added essential services | Education • Healthcare |
| Effect on quality of life | Overall improvement |
Social protection is a system designed to provide financial security, safety net benefits, and a reduced income inequality to all members of society. Unlike in our timeline, where social protection systems emerged in the 20th century as a response to economic crises and the expansion of the welfare state, this timeline saw an earlier realization of the need for social protection. By the late 19th century, the concept had spread around the world, with countries embracing income guarantee systems for all their citizens to ensure their basic needs were met.
As countries adopted the concept of social protection, they developed different approaches to provide income guarantees. Some, such as the United Kingdom, implemented means-tested unemployment benefits, while others, like Switzerland, introduced a universal basic income system. By the mid-20th century, most countries had adopted some form of social protection, with the goal of reducing poverty, inequality, and ensuring a minimum standard of living for their citizens.
The global social protection system in this alternate timeline is characterized by its focus on income guarantees. This system provides a basic income to all citizens, ensuring they have access to the resources necessary to meet their basic needs. Additionally, access to essential services such as education and healthcare is also provided on a universal basis, further promoting social and economic development.
Throughout the 20th century, countries continued to adopt and expand their social protection systems. By the end of the century, almost every country in the world had some form of social protection system in place. This wide adoption has been key in ensuring that individuals and families have access to the resources they need to live healthy, productive lives.
The impact of social protection systems in this alternate timeline has been profound. By providing a basic income and access to essential services, social protection systems have played a critical role in reducing poverty and promoting economic development. This has led to a more equitable distribution of resources and improvements in the overall quality of life for many people around the world.
As countries continue to develop their social protection systems, new innovations and improvements are being made. For example, some countries are using technology to better target and deliver social protection benefits, while others are exploring the use of blockchain to ensure the security of social protection systems. As the world continues to change, the need for social protection will remain, and countries will continue to adapt and innovate to meet this need.
