Measuring by time: a new paradigm of socio-demographic policy

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to describe the idea of forming a new paradigm of socio-demographic policy based on the core «family-work balance». Today, it is no longer enough to talk about the family-work balance policy as an integral part of the State socio-demographic policy. A new social contract between the State and the population on the disposal of time as the main resource for each person is necessary. We need a new social contract on the time use by various social groups, primarily by employees with family responsibilities. Basing on statistical and GIS methods, the author used the data from Rosstat, Moscow Department of Labor and Social Protection, survey data. Changing the approaches to assessment of the social policy results is a prerequisite for its integrated formation and implementation. The article provides eight arguments for the timeliness of changing the paradigm of the socio-demographic policy in Russia. Four ways of socio-demographic policy measuring by time units are given: calculating the equivalent of cash payments and social support services by time units; assessment of walking or transport accessibility to social institutions and the workplace by time units; duration of service receipt; estimation of working hours of parents in the sphere of professional employment. This approach will open new opportunities for cooperation with the population in the issue of demographic development and labor market regulation; it will mitigate the challenges related to the population aging and expansion of the care economy, improve the quality of life of the entire population, including people with family responsibilities. It will stimulate formation of a social system comfortable for people with a high level of human capital, aimed at combining professional and family responsibilities. The author discusses the sources of information that can be used in the new methodology for measuring policy outcomes. The article provides examples of calculations in measuring socio-demographic policy by time.