Los desafíos de las nuevas políticas de desarrollo social en América Latina

Abstract

In this paper we examine recent changes in Latin American social policies, among which we highlight an active role of the State, a greater role of the rights-based approach, and the adoption of solidaritybased social protection policies. These changes, together with factors such as economic growth and the demographic transition, have contributed to a significant reduction of poverty and inequality. However, the region still faces structural problems such as productive heterogeneity, which causes the insertion by about half of workers into the informal sector, with low salaries and scarce social protection. Given the growing importance of monetary transfers for the poor and vulnerable population, we thus analyze the links between social protection and employment, arguing that the risks of creating disincentives for job search and formalization have been overstated. We also highlight the key challenges that social policies have to face in order to contribute to greater social equality.