Five presidential periods of social policy in Mexico

Abstract

Within specialized literature, it is usually affirmed that Mexico transformed its social policy model at the end of the 1980s. In this article, we argue that this sort of generalization is only valid in terms of indicating a modification. Moreover, we find the affirmation insufficient in terms of its characterization of the Mexican social policy as it does not identify tendencies and particularities during the past 30 years, nor does it contrast the differences with the previous social policy model. In order to sustain our arguments, we first bring forth a genealogy of Mexican social policy focused on the time-period of 1917-‍1988. We then analyze the perspectives, norms, institutions and actions carried out during the past five presidential periods (1988-‍2018). Finally, we compare the conceptions and poverty rates as well as social expenditure and public organisms during both mentioned periods. We conclude that the genesis of the turn in the Mexican social policy occurred in the 1970s. Although there are differences in orientations, institutions and actions during historical periods, the social policy models have continued to be insufficient in bluntly reducing poverty. According to our analysis this is due to three underlying and unresolved conditions: The disarticulation of social policy with economics; the fragmented and dual structure; and the stratified access of the rightful claimants.