This course examines policies in Latin America governing public health, education, housing, pensions, employment, and wealth transfers. Beginning in the 2000s, Latin American nations vastly expanded their welfare programs and extreme poverty decreased in the region, but large variations in the extent and effectiveness of social policy across nations remains. We will study the different types of social policy in Latin America, the factors drive their design and adoption, and why policies differ considerably across countries with similar sociopolitical institutions and levels of development. We will also examine how populations that lack formal access to public goods secure basic welfare. Finally we will evaluate the impact of COVID on social policy design, implementation, and effectiveness in the region.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 25

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Contreras

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Typical Periods Offered: Every other year; Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: