Lessons for Gender Equality and Social Policies

In this chapter, I place the conclusion of the book highlighting the theoretical and policy lessons that can be learned from the empirical cases presented. It then explores the differentiated explanations and variations built out of the theoretical framework and compares them to the empirical findings. In doing so, it lays open the implications of the inclusion or not of gender equality goals in social policies, stressing the limits and the potential of each phase as well as discussing their implications for the study of social policies with a gender lens. Afterward, the chapter discusses the theoretical implications and contributions of the findings for the gender study of social policies, historical institutionalism, and policy transfer. Finally, it unpacks the significance of this study for policymakers, politicians, and feminist activists who lead or advocate for such social policies throughout Latin America and beyond.