“Progressive” Social Policies in the Southern Cone: State discourses and practices

Abstract

The change in orientation of social policies in Latin America, particularly in Mercosur, obeys the replacement of the political forces that have assumed the exercise of political power and control of the main resources of the state. The changes observed in the field of public policies in the direction of greater intervention of the state, a different approach to the social question and the priority given to population segments in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability are some of the evidences observed. If results and successes are plausible, elements remain in the residual model that is manifest in contradictions in the design and implementation of social policies. Nevertheless, there are opportunities to deepen the transformations underway. The article presents some supports to the analysis of future scenarios, based on empiric studies and experiences in management at a regional level.