Social purpose of the state. Social purpose of the modern state

The state is a special political institution, a form of social organization of people created in the process of society development. In addition, it has sovereignty, in its competence is the official political authority, that is, among its capabilities and responsibilities, coercion and administration.

The concept and social purpose of the state reveals the essence of this political institution, its goals and functions. It testifies that this phenomenon is social, the product of society.

Historical background for the emergence of the state

As already mentioned, the state was due to the development of the society, at a certain stage of the processes occurring in it.

Both the prerequisites for its creation and the social purpose of the state have for a long time been the subject of numerous discussions and discussions. On this occasion, there is a huge variety of opinions - a chain that has been stretching since the days of Antiquity.

Theories of the origin of the state

The most famous theories of state creation are:

• The result of the social division of labor (according to Plato);
• A consequence of the natural development of the institution of the family (according to Aristotle);
• The divine theory of state creation (developed by theologians);
• The result of a social contract between people (represented by classical political thought, Locke, Hobbes and so on);
• Product of an act of violence (from the principle "all power is violence against people," supported by Gumplowicz and Dühring);
• The theory of Marx, where most of the attention is paid to the influence of private property and the relationship of classes, or rather, oppression of one another.

The essence and social purpose of the state

What is the political institute under consideration? What is its purpose? These issues arise directly from the question posed in the previous paragraph - the origin of this organization.

So, the state is given such a definition: an instrument of social forces, which is designed to maintain their balance in society.

It follows that at the present time it is precisely it is responsible for social, economic and spiritual development, as well as the integration of various groups and their unification around common, common goals and values.

What is meant by the word "essence"

Essence determines the social purpose and tasks of the state, that is, it is the main (central, central) in it. Such a center becomes the ownership of state power.

The essence of the state is always twofold: on the one hand, it is the organizer of all common affairs, on the other hand it always expresses the interests of the political elite that dominates the part of society and the social group for a certain period of time.

This duality expresses two basic approaches to the essence of the state: general social and class, the latter being directly related to Marx's idea of the emergence of this institution.

The state as an effective means of organizing the life of society

The social purpose and functions of the state are interrelated, although not interchangeable concepts. The first includes a wide range of terms, such as the essence, meaning and aspirations of the political institution under consideration, the second is a classification of the responsibilities assigned to this institution.

So, what is the essence and social purpose of the state?

1. The state is obliged to maintain the existing social order, it manages the common affairs of the members of the society, organizes and controls the activities necessary for the development of the society, being both the force over the society and its servant.
2. The state can be considered a social judge: it resolves social disputes, conflicts arising on national, religious or class ground. On the shoulders of the political elite lies responsibility in the form of ensuring social balance, finding compromises in the course of not only internal but also external conflicts.
3. The state has the right to use violence within the framework established by law, which makes it legalized and legitimate. The meaning of such violence is punishment (criminal), sanctions, etc. That is, the state is obliged to monitor the implementation of the adopted legislation. That's what legalization of violence means. Legitimacy is the same term that means that the power at the head of the state is recognized by the people.

Functions of the state

The essence and social purpose of the state determines the role it plays in the life of society. As was discussed earlier, first of all, it manages it. The functions express the activities of the state, the direction of its actions.
Among other things, they have such features as:

• Multidirectionality;
• Versatility and versatility;
• Interconnectedness of functions with the purpose of a political institution.

Classification of functions of the state

The functions of the state are conventionally divided into the following types:

• Based on the direction (external and internal);
• By duration (temporary and permanent);
• By importance (main and non-core);
• Corresponding to the spheres of public life.

The role of the state: how does it serve society?

Depending on the current political system, the role played by the state in it is changing.

In the process of development, the public purpose and social value of the state are increasingly increasing. Historically, this is easily traced.

The role of the state has changed quite a bit for two hundred or three hundred years. This was influenced, for example, by the scientific and technological revolution.

Economic conditions, international relations, political regime and system are the factors determining the essence of the state.

If we compare the social purpose of a modern state and a political organization of a century ago, it will be possible to find many differences without even making efforts.

Modernity

So, how has the role of the state changed during its development? If we consider the modern state, we can come to the conclusion that it has progressed to the point that it carries out a diverse, wide-ranging activity. Narrow-class tasks yield to problems arising from the principle of conflict-free existence of society.

Globalization dictates its own rules: thus, international relations have become more important, foreign policy is being pursued more actively. The social processes taking place in society are also strongly influenced: movements for national and religious rights, the rights of sexual minorities. Issues that were silent about centuries ago are raised sharply. It is the duty of the state to correctly answer them.

Social Arbitration and Social Protection

The purpose of the state is to provide social support to the population. In addition to the already named balance in the society and the solution of common affairs, the provision of human rights and freedoms lies on its shoulders. This is one of the items in the list of tasks of social protection of the population.

It also includes collateral:

• Environmental safety;
• The development of science and technology;
• Health of the nation;
• Absence of social conflicts;
• The proper standard of living of the population;
• Support of culture, education, that is, the spiritual level of the nation;
• Protection of motherhood and childhood.

In addition, the legalized violence described above also helps to ensure order in the state, consistent with the norms and laws enacted therein.

Social state

What is a social state? It is understood not only as a political institution capable of ensuring equality, but as an organization ready to help the population, protect it and distribute the benefits and burdens among all.

Russia is a social state? This can be determined by examining whether the following criteria are met in the country:

1. A decent living wage for every citizen of the state.
2. All able-bodied people have the opportunity to earn enough to provide for themselves and their families.
3. The unemployable part of the population also has the opportunity to be provided by redistributing the state budget.

According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Russia is a social state. However, some of the items described above are not being implemented in the country.

What prevents Russia from becoming a social state?

In order to become a social state, the RF first of all should become a legal state. And this means that every citizen of the country is obliged to comply with its laws, enshrined in the Constitution, including its power, officials, deputies, administrative bodies. The social purpose and functions of the state should strive in one direction.

At the moment, the sociality of Russia is reflected only in documentary order. However, the official testimony to her already speaks volumes and gives hope.

To become a social state, the Russian Federation needs in practice to implement all the norms documented in its legislation; To revise the attitude to the inalienable rights of citizens; Determine the main ways of development of social policy and implement them.