Conditional and Unconditional Cash Transfers: Implications for Gender

Abstract

Solving poverty is a laudable public policy goal. While there are many approaches, one that has gained popularity is the conditional cash transfer that requires recipients to satisfy conditions imposed on them such as requiring regular medical checkups. Another approach, which is gaining interest is unconditional cash transfers that do not impose conditions. The question we ask in this paper is: what do these past and current attempts tell us about the implications for gender? To answer this question, we explore two programs using a gendered framework: Brazil's Bolsa Familia,which is a conditional cash transfer, and Manitoba's Mincome experiment, which was an unconditional cash transfer in Canada. We then consider how this information might be used by states, particularly as it relates to ending social marginalization. Broadly, this research contributes to academic discussions of public policy, income, gender and social vulnerability.

Rereading the Wages for Housework Campaign: Feminist Degrowth Reflections on Social Reproduction, Commons, and a Care Income

“…However, I hope that this paper opens space for debate on the continuities and ruptures of WfH and a care income. 13 In practice, having to prove eligibility for a care income would also carry problematic dimensions of monitoring, surveillance, humiliation, and bureaucracy (Baker 2008;Levasseur et al 2018). 14 A universal basic income refers to universal, regular, and often age-dependent cash transfers paid out to individuals (Torry 2019).…”