Hyvinvointivaltion optimaalisen köyhyyspolitiikan määrittelyä

Seppo Sallila. Hyvinvointivaltion optimaalisen koyhyyspolitiikan maarittelya [Defining the Optimal Poverty Policy for a Welfare State]. National Institute for Health and Welfare, Research 1. Helsinki 2009. 213 pages, price 28 €. ISBN 978-952-245-012-8 The purpose of this research is to identify the optimal poverty policy for a welfare state. From a selection of welfare state policies (Alcock 2006, 191–258; Ringen 1987, 4–7; Saari 2005b), only income distribution policy is utilised here. Policies for reducing poverty are considered primary, and those for reducing inequality secondary. The research described herein is mainly methodological, paving the way for additional research. This research involves the development of a method for the purpose of defining the optimal poverty policy for a welfare state. Only one concept of the welfare state and the related poverty policy are considered throughout this research. The concept underlying the entire research can be summarized through the following formula: (1) Poverty = the legal system underlying the income distribution of a welfare state (X) Poverty is thus seen as a function of the income transfer system within a welfare state, while X is the matrix through which the system can be altered. This research presents a method for optimising this function for the purposes of reducing poverty. It is also implemented in the representative population sample within the Income Distribution Data. The method also provides an estimate of the potential effect on poverty of the implementation of an identified new income transfer system. Thus, the purpose of the research is to identify an income transfer system that would reduce poverty and balance out income disparities to the greatest extent, and as effectively as, possible. In this research, the income transfer system in effect (for 2003) in Finland is analysed. The research method used is based on a simulation model of the legislatively based income transfer system, the SOMA model utilised by STAKES in its research into the income transfer system and the effects of various changes to it. By using the simulation model as optimally as possible, an income transfer system that fulfils the goals of the research can be sought iteratively, and yet in such a way that the system itself remains as close to its original form as possible. Prior to beginning the actual simulation process, it would be sensible to pause and deliberate on the object of the research, poverty. This represents the response (DV) variable of the research, through which the research’s explanatory (IV)