La protección social en clave regional: Caracterización y análisis de las transferencias monetarias no contributivas implementadas en los países del Mercosur como respuesta a la pandemia (2020-2021)

Abstract

This article analyzes the main non-contributory cash transfer policies implemented in MERCOSUR member countries during the pandemic, between 2020 and 2021. Through the characterization and comparison of the three main measures selected for each of the member countries (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay), we analyze the role of these measures in addressing the crisis and understand their role within the social security and protection systems. It is shown that the four countries opted for an expansion of cash transfers and implemented similar measures, although there are heterogeneities in terms of coverage and distribution mechanisms. On the one hand, pre-existing measures were reinforced, especially those aimed at children and adolescents; and on the other hand, new measures were created to cover the monetary income of the most vulnerable segments and those in the informal labor market. Although this difference raises a certain distinction between the expansion of pre-existing measures and the creation of new measures, it cannot be said that there has been an innovation or universalization in terms of monetary transfers. Therefore, it is concluded that far from having served as a window of opportunity for the design of new policies, these responses constituted a consolidation of the classic cash transfer schemes.