Tarveperusteisesti

Tarveperusteisesti is a Finnish adverb meaning “based on need” or “on the basis of need.” It describes actions, allocations, or provisions that are guided by an assessment of individuals’ or groups’ needs rather than by uniform entitlement or equal distribution. The word combines tarve (need) with perusteinen (based on) and the adverbial suffix -sti.

In public administration and welfare policy, tarveperusteisesti is used to characterize approaches where services, funding, or support are allocated according to assessed need. This often involves a process of tarpeen arviointi (needs assessment) to determine eligibility and the level of assistance, for example in social services, health care, housing support, or education funding. The concept is frequently discussed in relation to tarveharkinta (needs testing) and the balance between targeted and universal services.

Advantages of tarveperusteisesti include directing resources to those with the greatest need and promoting equity in outcomes. Challenges include the administrative burden of assessing need, potential costs, the risk of stigmatization for recipients, and ongoing debates about what constitutes “need” and how to prevent under- or over-provision while maintaining fair access to essential services.

See also tarveharkinta, universalism, and welfare-state policy.