INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE SPHERE OF SOCIAL POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERNIZATION IN KAZAKHSTAN

Abstract

The authors have selected the problems of institutionalization of the sphere of social services in Kazakhstan in the context of modernization of its social policy as the subject of their article. They have studied the issue of upgrading professional skills and supervising specialists who provide special social services to the target population groups. The article is based on sociological studies aimed at improving social policies in the Republic of Kazakhstan, utilizing questionnaires, interviews with experts, social workers employed by social service structures, and individuals under stressful circumstances. 

The authors rely on comparative analysis of the results of statistical studies and other methods utilized in political science. An institutionalized approach to upgrading the professional skills of social workers and the efficiency of social services was analyzed based on public opinion polls. The empirical and sociological statistical studies allowed the authors to identify the main factors that affect professional skills and labor productivity in the social sphere. 

It seems that the Kazakhstan system of special social services needs a new model of social policy patterned on the Cross-functional Institute of Supervision in social services. Institutionalization should be seen as a comprehensive system that unites the state, public, academic, educational, and moral-axiological aspects of activities of a socially-oriented society. 

The authors offer important information about the impact of different factors on the professional qualities of experts and their productivity in the social sphere. In this way, this article helps perfect the entire system of social work through the supervision mechanisms to assist specialists who offer special social services to target population groups in improving their results. This work relates to the previously unexplored field of Kazakhstan’s social policy.