New Trends in Social Policies in Latin America (Draft)

Latin America is addressing and reversing the exclusionary dynamics of structurally heterogeneous labour markets, redistributing assets through social spending and promoting the full exercise of citizenship. The ultimate aims are the promotion of greater equality of opportunities through education and the benefits it brings to poor families, and strengthening democracy while laying the political foundations for the consolidation of more inclusive societies. Access to benefits through out of pocket expenditures and contributory schemes tend to reproduce inequality. A different approach is needed to cope with the new global order and its implications for national societies.

Andras Uthoff is Professor at the Faculty of Economy and Business of the Universidad de Chile and a member of the Previsional Consultory Board; former Director of the Division of Social Development at CEPAL.