THE SOCIAL PROTECTION AND SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION MODEL OF THE BAC TAN UYEN AREA SOCIAL INSURANCE OFFICE: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Social protection is a central pillar of sustainable development, yet its implementation in Vietnam continues to face delayed or evaded contributions, low participation in voluntary social insurance, and limited policy access for informal-sector workers. This article examines the social protection governance model of the Bac Tan Uyen Area Social Insurance Office in Binh Duong province through a qualitative case study grounded in collaborative-governance theory and the Capability Approach. Data were drawn from secondary documents covering 2024–2026, field observation, and twelve semi-structured interviews with social insurance staff, local government representatives, socio-political organisations, and policy beneficiaries, and were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings show that, first, coordination among the social insurance office, grassroots authorities, the commune police, and the People's Procuracy has strengthened legal compliance and broadened insurance coverage, with arrears recovery rising 28.6% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the fourth quarter of 2025. Second, linking the formal insurance system with community-based initiatives, exemplified by the “Recycled Waste, Shared Social Protection” model, extends the safety net to vulnerable groups. Third, wider access to social and health insurance reduces financial risk and supports the resilience of the local protection system. On this basis, the article proposes a Multi-level Social Protection Governance Model that combines formal insurance, cross-sector coordination, and community participation. As a single case study based on a short data period, the findings should be generalised with caution; they nonetheless offer a frame of reference for localities pursuing sustainable poverty reduction and inclusive development