Child-centered social policies in Argentina: Expansion, segmentation, and social stratification

Abstract

Over the last two decades or so, social policy has expanded in many Latin American countries. In Argentina, public social expenditures increased, and new social programs were implemented to extend access to previously excluded populations. These developments also involved three child-centered social policies: child benefits in cash, maternal and infant health care, and early child education and care. Looking at key institutional features of new programs and policies, and using data on the distribution of children's access to benefits across socio-economic strata, this article evaluates the progress and limits of recent social policy developments to reduce segmentation and social stratification in child-centered social policies and promote egalitarian social investment for all children.