The state is a special political institution, a form of social organization of people created in the process of development of society. In addition, it has sovereignty, in its competence is official political power, that is, among its capabilities and responsibilities, coercion and control.
The concept and social purpose of the state reveal the essence of this political institution, its goals and functions. It testifies that this is a public phenomenon, a product of society.
Historical background for the emergence of the state
As already mentioned, the state occurred as a result of the development of society, at a certain stage in the processes taking place in it.
Both the preconditions for its creation and the social purpose of the state have long been the subject of much debate and debate. On this occasion, there is a huge variety of opinions - a chain stretching from the time of Antiquity.
Theories of State Origin
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 the creation of the state (developed by theologians);
- the result of a social contract between people (represented by classical political thought, Locke, Hobbes, and so on);
- the product of an act of violence (from the principle "all power is violence against people", supported by Gumplovich and Dühring);
- Marx’s theory, where most of the attention is paid to the influence of private property and the relationship of classes, or rather, the oppression of one by another.
The essence and social purpose of the state
What is the political institution in question? What is his purpose? These questions arise directly from the question posed in the previous paragraph - the origin of this organization.
So, the state is given the following definition: an instrument of social forces, which is designed to maintain their balance in society.
It follows from this that at the present time it is it that is responsible for social, economic and spiritual development, as well as the integration of various groups and their unification around joint universally significant goals and values.
What is meant by the word "essence"
The essence determines the social purpose and objectives of the state, that is, it is the main (main, central) in it. The affiliation of state power becomes such a center.
The essence of the state is always twofold: on the one hand, it is the organizer of all common affairs, and on the other, it always expresses the interests of the political elite, which dominates for a certain period of time a part of society, a social group.
This duality expresses two main approaches to the essence of the state: general social and class, the latter being directly related to the idea of Marx about the emergence of this institution.
The state as an effective means of organizing society
The social purpose and functions of the state are interrelated, although not interchangeable. 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?
- The state is obliged to maintain the existing public order, it manages the general affairs of the members of society, organizes and supervises the activities necessary for the development of society, being at the same time a force standing above society and its servant.
- The state can be considered a social judge: it resolves public disputes, conflicts arising on national, religious or class grounds. The responsibility of the political elite lies in the form of ensuring social balance, the search for compromises in the course of not only internal but also external conflicts.
- 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. This is what the legalization of violence means. Legitimacy is a term meaning that the power that is at the head of the state is recognized by the people.
State functions
The nature and social purpose of the state determines what role it plays in society. As previously discussed, first of all, it directs it. The functions express the activities of the state, the directions of its actions.
Among other things, they are characterized by such features as:
- multidirectionality;
- versatility and versatility;
- the interconnectedness of functions with the mission of the political institute.
Classification of state functions
The functions of the state are conditionally divided into the following types:
- based on the orientation (external and internal);
- by duration (temporary and permanent);
- by importance (major and minor);
- corresponding to spheres of public life.
The role of the state: how does it serve society?
Depending on the currently dominant political system, the role that the state plays in it is changing.
In the process of development, the social purpose and social value of the state are increasing. Historically, this is easily traceable.
The role of the state has changed a great deal in just two hundred or three hundred years. For example, the scientific and technological revolution significantly influenced this.
Economic conditions, international relations, the political regime and the system are factors that determine the essence of the state.
If we compare the social purpose of the modern state and the political organization of a century ago, it will be possible to find many differences without even making an effort.
Modernity
So, how has the role of the state changed during its development? If we consider the modern state, we can conclude that it has progressed to the point that it carries out a diverse, broad-based activity. Narrow-class tasks are inferior to problems arising from the principle of a conflict-free society.
Globalization dictates its own rules: for example, international relations have become more important, foreign policy is being pursued more actively.
The social processes taking place in society also strongly influence: movements for national and religious rights, rights of sexual minorities. There are acute questions that were silent centuries ago. It is the duty of the state to answer them correctly.
Social arbitration and social protection
The purpose of the state is to provide social support to the population. In addition to the already mentioned balance in society and the solution of common affairs, the protection of human rights and freedoms rests on his shoulders. This is one of the items on the list of tasks of social protection of the population.
It also includes the provision of:
- environmental safety;
- development of science and technology;
- national health;
- lack of social conflicts;
- proper standard of living of the population;
- supporting 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 adopted in it.
Social state
What is a social state? By such is meant not just a political institution capable of ensuring equality, but an organization ready to help the population, protect it and distribute the benefits and burdens among all.
Is Russia a social state? This can be determined by considering whether the following criteria are met in a country:
- A decent living wage for every citizen of the state.
- All able-bodied people have the opportunity to earn enough to provide for themselves and their family.
- The disabled part of the population also has the opportunity to be provided through the redistribution of state budget funds.
According to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, Russia is a social state. However, the country does not comply with some of the points described above.
What prevents Russia from becoming a social state?
In order to become a social state, the Russian Federation should first of all 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, Russia's sociality is reflected only in documentary order. However, the official testimony to it already says a lot and gives hope.
To become a social state, the Russian Federation must in practice implement all the norms documented in its legislation; review the attitude to the inalienable rights of citizens; identify the main ways of development of social policy and implement them.