The philosophy of social security

This study examines the philosophy of social security through the human-centered approach embodied in the conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO). It argues that social security is not merely a legal or financial mechanism but a fundamental human right grounded in social justice, solidarity, equality, and human dignity. Using the analytical method and content analysis, the study explores the ILO’s constitutional philosophy, supervisory mechanisms, and the evolution of international social security standards, with particular emphasis on the protection of children, workers, women, and older persons. The analysis demonstrates that Convention No. 102 established the minimum international standards for social security, while subsequent conventions and recommendations progressively expanded both the scope of beneficiaries and the level of protection. The study further assesses the practical implementation of these standards through recent ILO reports, revealing persistent global gaps in coverage despite significant normative progress. It concludes that the ILO has played a pioneering role in institutionalizing the right to social security.