The Reformulation of Social Policy in Chile, 1973—2001

Abstract

This article subjects the much-heralded Chilean `model' of social policy reform to a critical analysis. It places the Chilean reforms within the political—economic conjuncture from which they emerged and relates the trends towards privatization and decentralization to the larger neoliberal movement towards societal restructuring. Through an examination of pension, education and health reforms, the article argues that the Chilean reformulation of social policy has serious failings in terms of both pervasive structural weaknesses and a profound polarization of service provision. These factors pose important questions regarding the propagation of similar neoliberal social policy models in the Global South.

Development paradigms in the institutional configuration of vocational education and training in Chile (1964-2005)

“…: 1964-1973 The broad electoral victory in 1964 of Eduardo Frei, the candidate of de Cristian Democratic party, supposed the beginning of the end of the 'State of Commitment', a political alliance between the right and the centre-left which ruled Chile from 1938. Beyond the political consequences of this electoral victory, it also supposed the end of a period of pro-liberal political and economic reforms that was replaced by a structuralist development strategy characterised by the increasing role of the State and central planning (Taylor 2003).…”

La urbanización de las áreas periféricas en Santiago y Valparaíso: el papel de las relaciones de poder en el dibujo de la geografía socioresidencial

“…Este escenario afecta a las organizaciones civiles que operan a nivel de los episodios: la población pobre se ve obligada a actuar en forma fragmentada, rompiendo el otrora fuerte movimiento poblacional. Para Taylor (2003), uno de los objetivos de las reformas políticas iniciadas por el gobierno militar era atomizar al sector popular de modo de impedir la resistencia colectiva. A nuestro juicio, esto continúa siendo válido en Chile hasta el día de hoy.…”

Tensions between State and Market in Chile: Educational Policy and Culture

“…Schools in this diverse sector receive public funding through the voucher system but they are privately administered individually or as part of a consortium. In addition, there are private technical-vocational schools run by businesses or corporations and a flourishing fee-based private sector that are not in receipt of public funding (Aedo 1998, Taylor 2003. Furthermore, the reforms resulted in a dramatic shift from a political culture that viewed education as a fundamental right to a culture that emphasized the freedom of choice of the user as a consumer rather than as a citizen.…”