Social protection in Latin countries: Indicators of social protection coverage and basic services
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v5i2.794Keywords:
Drinking water, Latin America, Socioeconomic indicators, Social protection, SanitationAbstract
Social protection has become a fundamental pillar of global efforts to alleviate poverty, reduce inequality, and foster economic resilience. The objective was to explore indicators of social protection and basic services coverage in developing Latin American countries. A quantitative, qualitative, descriptive, and critical approach was applied. Data were obtained from the Center for Statistical Knowledge Management. Coverage of social assistance, social insurance, the labor market, drinking water, and sanitation was analyzed, and Latin American countries were evaluated from 2018 to 2024. In social assistance, Bolivia (97.9%), Peru (87.5%), and Argentina (41.4%) experienced rapid expansion in 2020. In social security, Argentina stood out with coverage exceeding 31%. Peru showed an increase in its labor market from 0.2% to 1.7% in 2022, indicating a labor market recovery. Regarding access to basic drinking water services, Mexico stands out with 99.5% coverage (nearly universal levels). In sanitation coverage, Colombia serves as a benchmark, not only for its coverage (96.6%) but also for its capacity for expansion. Countries like Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina implemented near-universal social assistance models. Argentina maintains a solid social security base. The labor market exhibits marked weakness due to budget volatility. In drinking water coverage, Mexico leads the way. In sanitation, Colombia is positioned as the regional leader.
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