Social policy encompasses a range of public actions designed to manage livelihood risks, protect people against contingencies (such as ill-health and loss of income) and invest in their capacities to contribute productively to the economy. As demonstrated in both developed and developing country contexts, appropriate social policies can enhance productivity and contribute to reducing poverty while providing the foundations for more equitable growth. Achieving such outcomes requires not only social assistance but also re-distributive policies, support for families and social reproduction, and investments in human capital.