This book is one of the first attempts to analyze how developing countries through the early twenty-first century have established systems of social protection, and how these systems have been affected by the processes of globalization and democratization. The book focuses on Latin America to identify factors associated with the evolution of welfare state policies during the pre-globalization period prior to 1979, whilst studying how globalization and democratization have affected governments' fiscal commitment to social spending. In contrast with the Western European experience, more developed welfare systems evolved in countries relatively closed to international trade, while the recent process of globalization that has swept the region has put substantial downward pressure on social security expenditures. Health and education spending has been relatively protected from greater exposure to international markets and has actually increased substantially with the shift to democracy.
Dieser Download kann aus rechtlichen Gründen nur mit Rechnungsadresse in A, B, BG, CY, CZ, D, DK, EW, E, FIN, F, GR, HR, H, IRL, I, LT, L, LR, M, NL, PL, P, R, S, SLO, SK ausgeliefert werden.
“Like quantum physics, if you think that you understand the political economy of the evolution of the welfare state, then you don't. So in either case-because you already know that you don't understand it, or because you mistakenly think you do-then you will greatly benefit from Alex Segura-Ubiergo's careful and insightful study. This book is an important and provocative piece on the evolution of the welfare state in Latin America, where, as in elsewhere, the conflicting pressures of globalization on social protection (increased demand vs. reduced effective provision) pose one of the most challenging social issues today. Moreover, the lessons drawn from this thorough research ought to be relevant for countries in all regions, and all stages of democracy and development.” -- Eduardo Ley, Lead Economist, World Bank