From social protection to vulnerability: Argentina's neo‐liberal reforms of the 1990s

Abstract

Abstract. This article examines the neo‐liberal reforms introduced in Argentina in the 1990s, focusing on labour policies and their consequences for labour market dynamics and the welfare of households. To put this period in historical context, the authors first provide a brief summary of the strategies applied both during the preceding import‐substitution phase and in the aftermath of the political, economic and social crisis of 2001–02. The latter, in effect, served as the tipping point for the emergence of a new set of social and economic policies aimed at promoting social cohesion and inclusion through employment.

Accumulation by Dispossession and Socio‐Environmental Conflicts Caused by the Expansion of Agribusiness in Argentina

“…Starting with the dictatorship that took power in 1976, Argentina underwent a neoliberal transformation that reached its peak during the 1990s (Giarracca and Teubal 2004;Novick et al 2009). Presidents Menem (1989 and de la Rua (1999de la Rua ( -2001 carried out deep structural reforms, which ended up with the violent crisis of December 2001 that forced de la Rua's resignation.…”

Measuring Poverty in the Case of Buenos Aires: Why Time Deficits Matter

“…As a part of the strategy, collective bargaining (which was paralyzed in the previous decade) was restored, resulting in the recognition of unionized workers as political actors. Labor inspection and the active use of minimum wage policies were also part and parcel of these developments (Novick, Lengyel, and Sarabia 2009).…”

“…Ultimately, the government believed in the benefits of a tight labor market to improve both wages and job quality, and monitored more than intervened during those initial recovery years (Novick, Lengyel, and Sarabia 2009) For the working poor (income-poor and time-poor), most of whom are informal, efforts to increase registration, to implement wage policy, and to limit working hours are needed to lift them from poverty.…”