Abstract
AbstractSince the beginning of modern social policy in Argentina in the early 20th century, concerns about the loss of economic competitiveness of domestic industries had been an important argument against the introduction of labour policies. In the 1930s, however, the Argentinean government acceded to some important international labour conventions while business leaders promoted their own projects to improve labour safety and better working conditions at their facilities. This turnaround by the ruling conservative political elites and economic liberals can only be understood by considering transnational influences, particularly the triangular relationship between Argentina, the US, and the International Labour Organisation. Using the example of occupational accident legislation, this chapter shows how a social policy flagship was used as a tool to project the image of a modern, progressive nation that complied with international labour standards.
Highlights
Throughout the history of social policy in Argentina, an important argument made by the opponents of reforms has been an economically justified one
It was thanks to international coordination systems exercised by the International Labour Organization (ILO) that some social reforms were legislated in Argentina in the 1930s, a period usually known as the Década infame due to the fraudulent electoral
In the 1930s a shift in the thinking about social policy and its practical implementation took place in Argentina. This change was brought about by new ideas concerning social policy, which was increasingly regarded as an inherent part of economic prosperity
Summary
Throughout the history of social policy in Argentina, an important argument made by the opponents of reforms has been an economically justified one. Cooperation with the ILO became increasingly close during this period, the introduction of conventions and actual social legislation was gradual and slow. Politicians, those from the conservative spectrum, painted a positive picture of their social policy, which they considered to be cooperative and exemplary at the international level. In Argentina, social policy was long regarded as a cost-intensive measure that threatened the country’s competitiveness, but a new approach in the United States in the context of the New Deal made it possible for political and economic actors in Argentina to think differently about social policy. New international political and economic constellations enabled the emergence of a new thinking about social policy in Argentina. Using the example of occupational accident legislation, this chapter shows how transnational influences have brought about a change in the political awareness of social reforms
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