CULTURAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF INFORMAL SOCIAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS IN UZBEKISTAN
Keywords:
Informal social protection, informal support, informal safety net, traditional social welfare, community-based support, social capital, Uzbekistan.Abstract
This study focuses on informal social protection systems in Uzbekistan (ISPS). These systems, based on kinship and solidarity, help people manage economic risks. The objective is to examine the driving factors, sources, provision modalities and governing principles of ISPS. For this exploratory research a qualitative approach was adopted, and a mixed-methods design was used for data collection, covering a literature review, survey responses (n = 46, 24 women, 22 men), and semi-structured interviews (n = 12, 6 women, 6 men).The results indicate that family, relatives, and friends are the main providers of support. Remittances and rotating savings groups are also reliable mechanisms. Women aged 30-54 from rural backgrounds with lower education were most likely to depend on ISPS, noticeably their reliance persisted even if they worked full-time, reflecting the gender pay gap. Men’s dependence is more linked to unemployment or informal work.
ISPS are most often used during major life events and crises, demonstrating ISPS life-improvement and risk-management purposes. Access was justified by cultural norms, and social ties. While many respondents believe the ISPS will maintain importance in the future, some, especially poor women, expect them be replaced by formal schemes. Overall, ISPS remain vital to resilience of individuals, though currently they are limited by unequal distribution and gender imbalances. Future research should focus on the causes of inequality and gender differences in ISPS to help design social policies better tailored to the needs of women and vulnerable groups.
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