SOCIAL SAFETY NETS IN POLARIZED AND CONFLICT-RIDDEN SOCIETIES
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Date
2026-02
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Centre for Democracy, Peace and Conflict Resolution (CDPCR), Federal University Dutsin-ma, Katsina State
Abstract
This paper examines the role of Social Safety Nets (SSNs) as policy instruments for addressing
poverty, vulnerability, and instability in polarized and conflict-ridden societies, moving beyond
their traditional conceptualization as mere welfare mechanisms to recognize their broader
social, political, and peacebuilding functions. Using a qualitative, non-empirical approach
grounded in a critical review of existing literature and policy documents, and anchored on a
multi-theoretical framework comprising Social Protection Theory, Political Economy Theory,
and Social Cohesion and Peacebuilding Theory, the study demonstrates how well-designed and
inclusive SSN programmes can mitigate social unrest, enhance social cohesion, strengthen
state–citizen relations, and serve as stabilizing forces by reducing vulnerability, preventing
reform-induced shocks, and fostering trust in public institutions, as illustrated by evidence from
Nigeria and other conflict-affected societies. The paper concludes that the effectiveness of
SSNs in divided societies depends critically on transparency, inclusiveness, political neutrality,
and strategic positioning as peace-sensitive development interventions, and recommends that
policymakers design SSNs with explicit conflict-sensitive frameworks, integrate them into
broader peacebuilding and state-building agendas, and ensure sustainable financing and
institutional anchoring to maximize their stabilizing and cohesive potential in fragile contexts.
Keywords: Social Safety Nets; Conflict; Polarization; Social Cohesion; Peacebuilding
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Citation
Akanni, W.O. & Adedayo, A.M (2026). Social safety nets in polarized and conflict-ridden societies. Journal of Conflict Resolution and Social Issues , (3)1 : 252-267