Leveraging Policy Capabilities in Russia and Finland during the Pandemic. Issue 2 (19th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dugarova, Esuna
• Editors: Cook, Linda J.; Titterton, Mike
• Is Part Of: Social policy and society. Volume 22:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 376
• Page End: 390
• Publication Date: 2023-04-19
• Subjects: Social protection and labour market -- gender equality -- COVID-19 pandemic -- Russia -- Finland; Social policy -- Periodicals; 361.6105
• DOI: 10.1017/S1474746422000409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-7464

Abstract

Abstract : The current article provides comparative analysis of policy capabilities in COVID-19 response in Russia and Finland by examining key challenges and impacts of the pandemic, and effects of anti-crisis socio-economic measures. It finds that the two countries adopted diverse policy responses that prioritised different segments of society with corresponding budget allocations. Such policy choice has been underpinned by pre-existing national priorities, while largely leveraging established policy legacy, institutions, and instruments within their welfare models. Russia has focused on supporting households through pro-natalist social assistance in line with its demographic concerns and persistent poverty, whereas Finland concentrated on protecting employment via social insurance and labour market interventions amid declining working-age population and labour supply. It is further suggested that improving policy capabilities via investments in comprehensive social security, welfare systems and gender-responsive policies can contribute to better development outcomes, while addressing gender power imbalances in the post-COVID-19 era.