Today, almost every person daily faces the concept of "reform." This already familiar word sounds from the lips of politicians, radio and television presenters, and also constantly appears in books, the media and other sources. What does this concept mean and what are its types?
The essence of the concept
The word "reform" comes from the Latin "reformare", which means "transform." This concept refers to the change or transformation of any social process or object, sphere of public life. Depending on the nature of the impact on historical development.
Given the areas covered by the changes, different types of reforms are shared. In general, this phenomenon in any form and manifestation is a necessary process for the development of society and the state, even if its consequences are negative. It should also be noted that reform is, as a rule, a process taking place within a certain country, its political, social or economic structure.
Mark on history
According to their influence on the course of history and development of the country, the following types of reforms are distinguished:
- Progressive - these changes entail the improvement, improvement of any sphere of life or the whole system. For example, the abolition of serfdom entailed a significant improvement in the life of the broad masses of the population. Progressive reforms positively affect the development of the economy, living standards or social security, as well as other indicators, depending on the scope of their implementation.
- Regressive - transformations that entail a deterioration in the functioning of systems and structures, a decrease in the standard of living or other negative consequences in society. For example, the introduction of a high tax rate can lead to a reduction in production, the transition of the economy to the so-called “shadow activity”, and a deterioration in the standard of living of the population.
Regressive reforms can develop into unrest, riots, strikes. But, despite all its negative consequences, such measures are sometimes forced and subsequently give a positive result. For example, an increase in fees or taxes in order to enhance social protection of the population will initially cause a lot of popular indignation, but when the system works fully and the people feel the positive aspects of the transformation, unrest will stop and updates will positively affect the standard of living of citizens.
Directions
Types of reforms in their areas of application are very extensive. Political aims to change in a particular area. For example, the transformation of the electoral system or governance structure of the country. Economic entail changes in the country's economic activity or in foreign economic relations. Social are carried out in order to make changes in the life of the broad masses of the people.
These are generalized concepts that can include many more specific transformations. Here are some examples:
- Constitutional reform - amending the most important document of the country, providing for changes in the structure of power or the basic principles of its activity. Refers to the political sphere.
- Agrarian reform - transformations in the country's agricultural activities. May imply government support for a given sector of the economy, or vice versa, stricter requirements and rules. Refers to the economic sphere.
- Educational reform - changes in the learning system. It can concern both the higher structures of system management (the principles of the Ministry of Education) and specific areas (kindergartens, schools, universities, colleges, etc.). Refers to the social sphere.
A vivid example from domestic history
Khrushchev's economic reforms carried out in the 50-60s of the last century had a huge impact on the further development of both the country as a whole and its individual regions. The most important innovation was the division of the entire territory into economic administrative regions with their local governments endowed with fairly broad powers.
Also important changes include the crushing of the personality cult of Stalin, which gave impetus to a new look at his country and the world as a whole, as well as aroused considerable interest in the world community.
But this was only the beginning of the changes, followed by other equally significant ones. For example, agrarian reform was aimed at the development of new lands and territories, their cultivation and adaptation to the needs of agriculture. These actions yielded important results: an increase in yields, the development of industries related to the agricultural sector, etc.
Khrushchev 's economic reforms encompassed the development of scientific potential, the expansion of the country's production capacities, and much, much more. They left a very significant mark and significantly raised the standard of living of citizens, although they had not only positive consequences.
Foreign examples
There are dozens of types of social reforms, and a huge number of examples of their implementation. One of the most striking changes in recent history are those that were carried out in Georgia.
In a fairly short period of time, the state apparatus was reduced, the procedures for registering and doing business were simplified, and social security and healthcare systems were completely restructured. As a result of these reforms, Georgia gave excellent anti-corruption indicators, showed growth in the economy and a significant improvement in the standard of living of the population.
Special view
To improve the system, stabilize the exchange rate or during transitional periods during the implementation of other changes, the government often uses an event such as monetary reform. Using this tool, inflation can be contained and the negative effects of a recession can be overcome.
The most understandable and familiar to the masses examples of monetary reform are denomination (enlargement of monetary units without replacing their name), nullification (complete “system reset” - introduction of a new currency instead of the old one) and devaluation (depreciation of the domestic currency relative to currency units of other countries).
The next step
Summing up, it is worth noting the important point that almost all types of reforms, if their consequences have a negative impact on people's lives, will inevitably lead to a more decisive and rapid implementation of change. This phenomenon is called a revolution. Since such changes are not initiated by the state, but by the people, and often do not have clear goals, but are only the result of protest, their consequences can be unpredictable.