ECONOMETRIC MODELING OF SOCIAL PROTECTION AND LIVING STANDARDS: EVIDENCE FROM UZBEKISTAN

Abstract

Social protection has become one of the most significant policy instruments for improving population welfare and reducing poverty. This study examines the relationship between social protection expenditures and living standards in Uzbekistan using statistical and econometric methods. The research employs regression analysis to determine the influence of employment, household income, inflation, government social expenditures, and demographic factors on living standards. The findings indicate that increased social protection spending positively affects household welfare, while inflation and unemployment negatively influence living standards. The proposed econometric model can serve as a practical tool for forecasting social welfare and supporting evidence-based policy decisions.