[Project value: Quoted in Canadian dollars not deflated]

1998 

Economics of Social Policy: Issues and Challenges

This project aims to identify how economic, social and institutional factors intervene in the process of social policy reform and affect its outcome. The idea is to go beyond the usual cost-benefit, resource allocation and efficiency analyses, to examine what happens when stakeholders are faced with the reality of limited resources, varied social demands and a given institutional framework. The project will attempt to elucidate the impact that the interaction of economic, social and institutional factors has on social policy implementation. It is expected that the project will give a clearer idea about what needs to be researched from a multi-disciplinary perspective to improve social policy-making. The research design includes the preparation of a position paper and the organization of a panel of experts from inside and outside the Latin American region. Some Canadian experts  will be included on the panel, as the Canadian policy experience appears to be closer to the Latin American than the experience of other developed countries. This panel will facilitate the final selection of topics and terms of reference for six case studies.  The case studies will examine selected research and policy issues on the basis of secondary data, literature reviews, analysis of research results, interviews with policymakers and focus group discussions. Ongoing discussion of project advances and issues will be facilitated by establishing an Internet site, holding seminars and disseminating publications. The project is also expected to result in a set of project proposals for submission to IDRC and other donors for funding consideration. 

http://www.idrc.ca/lacro/foro/projects/issues_index.html

Latin American governments, as well as the private sector, are investing considerable financial, institutional and political resources in the reform of pension systems. These reforms have also involved major political agreements whose implications are not well understood. Moreover, it was assumed that total or partial privatization would improve social security and help overcome the limitations of former systems. It appears, however, that these new arrangements may not be producing the benefits expected for large sectors of the population. Latin American pension systems face three specific problems: limited coverage, inequity and  stratification by occupational group. This project will examine the privatization of pension plans and its impact on coverage in Chile, Peru and Uruguay. The ultimate purpose is to look for alternative solutions for people with no protection under the reformed systems.  Expected outputs will include six case studies; a comparative study drawing conclusions and making recommendations based on the six studies; a series of briefing papers addressed to decision-makers from the public and private sectors; a mechanism for continued cooperation on the issue of social security; an Internet site; and academic studies and training courses in the field of social security. The research results and lessons learned will be disseminated in three seminars in the region. An international seminar will be held in Canada subject to obtaining additional funds.

http://www.idrc.ca/lacro/foro/projects/security_index.html