The Political Economy of the Statist and Socio-Corporatist Welfare States in Latin America

The fact that in most Latin American countries the politico-legitimating role of social protection policies was not only foundational, but continues to be relevant today implies that, in many nations of the continent, the State maintains its primordial role. On the other hand, in most cases, social actors have either been too weak, were controlled by the State, or have adopted a radical stance, rejecting any negotiation with government or with political intermediaries. The cases of Uruguay and Argentina are an exception, as social actors there have been central in shaping the welfare state.