Social policy and economic change in Chile, 1974-1985: the case of children.

Taking the case of Chile in the period 1974-85, this article examines the impact of economic conditions and social policies on poor households, and especially on children. The study starts with an analysis of the nature of the economic policies implemented in Chile during 1974-85 and their effects on income distribution and on the material living conditions of poor households. It then looks into the social policies, government expenditure, and the main programs directed toward poor households and children, as well as at the changes in child welfare that followed. From this macrosocial level the study diverts to the household level and describes, based on several in-depth studies of small samples of households in the Santiago metropolitan area during the years 1982-85, the daily experiences of poor households--their deteriorating economic conditions and the behaviors adopted to stretch scarce resources to satisfy basic needs. The final part draws some lessons from the Chilean case.