In the paper, the philosophical and historical evolution of social transfers and their role in Latvia's social security system have been investigated. Definitions of social transfers have been studied, and a classification of social transfers has been made. The most suitable social security system, which, to a great extent, depends on social policies and a socio-economic situation in a country, is elaborated in every country. Latvia's social security system includes state social insurance, state social benefits, social services, and social assistance that are based on financing from both the state basic budget and the state special budget, and municipal budgets. Social transfers have a significant role in the social security system in order to provide protection for the population in social risk situations; they impact the welfare of the population during this period.

The scientific article is prepared using monographic research method. The most important works by several scientists are examined. The author analyses guidelines for strengthening of civil society within Decree of 2005 by the Cabinet of Latvia; previous research on social capital in scientists' works is considered and indicators regarding economics of Latvia are characterized; formal and informal social networks and their norms are cleared. Importance of civil society is suggested by the Cabinet Decree No. 98 Guidelines of Strengthening Policy for Civil Society in 2005. The guidelines and directions for strengthening of civil society for the ten years describe actuality of this program. This theme is less researched in Latvia. Civil society promotes democracy, increases and mobilizes social capital, coordinating collaboration of citizens for common benefit. Civil society in Latvia is in its initial position. The concept of social capital by different foreign scientists and Latvian specialists is analysed in this article. American scientist R. Putnam (1995) has written about social capital that human capital regards individuals but social capital regards relationships among individuals as well as social networks and exchange norms. Another researcher F. Fukuyama (1995) analyses social capital by comparison of economical development of different peoples and nations. Research by several scientists on indicators of social capital and their use in economics of Latvia are analysed in the work. The author concludes that social capital of Latvia has tendency to develop, and social networks and their expansion is little explored in Latvia.

The article addresses the problem of social dimension measurement of for regional development. Authors’ discus approaches of definition of social dimension. There is some discord how social dimension could be understood in more broader or narrowed sense and how it is characterized in international and national social policy documents. Authors focus attention on contiguity of social dimension and social security. The measurement of social dimension demands multidimensional approach. The authors use theoretical analysis and document analysis, as well as analysis of statistical data on key elements of social dimension of regional development (differences of employment rate; GINI coefficient, and the number of people at risk-of-poverty threshold). The main conclusions are that social dimension is more or less covered in development planning documents, but the progress indicators are inadequate. Especially disparities in social dimension of regional development are formally addressed and closer analysis of key indicators shows necessity to elaborate both – policy instruments as well as policy progress measurement.

A social security system must provide social security and support for all members of society, regardless of their age or financial situation. The elderly and disabled may face various health problems, physical and mental decline which may make them dependent on other people or on professional care. People with financial means lack the care they need; for example, older people who may not have family carers or who do not want to use commercial care services. In this case, an additional support system is needed to provide care for those with financial resources. A social program should be available so that these people can receive help from the state or the municipality. As life expectancy increases and older people become a larger demographic group in society, it is essential to provide adequate care and support for this group of older people. This includes medical and health care, as well as social care and emotional support. In this context, the state and society have a responsibility to provide appropriate care services and resources to ensure the dignity, comfort, and security for older people if they can afford private care. In old age, people deserve to live with dignity and quality care, regardless of their financial situation or social status. This requires care and attention by both the state and society to establish and maintain systems that guarantee that the needs of older people are met.

Latvia has a long-standing traditions in adult education, but only since Latvia regained its independence in 1991, it has obtained a wide public response. Willingness to learn of farmers is increasing every year. The present report describes the latest tendencies in the further education of farmers and states that they are related to changes in social, economical and political situation of the country.