Final answer:
It is not more important to protect only against short-term disabilities, as long-term disabilities can have a significant financial and personal impact. Both short-term and long-term supports are crucial for a comprehensive social security system that caters to all forms of disability.
Step-by-step explanation:
In terms of the relative importance of protecting against short-term versus long-term disabilities, it is not necessarily true that short-term disabilities should be prioritized just because most disabilities last under two years. On the contrary, long-term disabilities can have a profound impact on an individual's ability to work and sustain themselves financially over an extended period. Therefore, while short-term support is essential for temporary disabilities, long-term protection is equally crucial to ensure that individuals who are unable to work due to sustained disabilities are not left without support.
A society must consider both the immediate and ongoing needs of its citizens. For instance, unemployment insurance and government assistance for job search or retraining can encourage people back to work sooner after short-term disabilities. However, long-term supports such as Social Security disability payouts are essential for those whose incapacitation is prolonged.
Combining both types of support ensures a robust safety net for all citizens, catering to both short-term recovery and long-term sustenance. Thus, designing a comprehensive social security system, which includes ample and lasting benefits for all forms of disability, is imperative.