Conditional Cash Transfers and Social Mobility: The Role of Asymmetric Structures and Segmentation Processes

Abstract

This article seeks to advance existing research on conditional cash transfers (CCTs) by centring the analysis of their long-term impact on the reproduc- tion of poverty and exclusion. To date, most analyses and assessments of CCTs’ long-term impact have been based on simulations focused on specific parameters such as income changes and educational attainment. This study takes as its starting point the assumption that any efforts to break the cycle of chronic poverty and exclusion must address their underlying structures and processes. To that end, it presents a social mobility analysis of Uruguay’s Asignaciones Familiares and its impact on residential segregation, educa- tional segmentation and labour market segmentation. Based on empirical data from qualitative interviews, household surveys and existing research studies, the programme is found to insufficiently address these asymmet- ric processes. Without accompanying structural reforms, this limitation will significantly constrain the programme’s capacities to promote beneficiaries’ social mobility by breaking the intergenerational transmission of poverty. (Less)