SOCIAL STATE TRANSFORMATION: TOWARDS A NEW REFORM PHASE IN CHILE AND URUGUAY?

Abstract

After the stage of liberal reforms in the region, the access of left-wing parties to the government raised expectations in relation to the changes they would be able to promote. The paper analyzes the reform of the Social States driven by the recent center-left governments in Chile and Uruguay. The study draws attention to the active agenda of social reforms, but notes that they have a moderate tone. It also highlights that the State role has been enhanced. After this phase of reforms, the Chilean welfare state is predominantly liberal, although some solidarity devices has been strengthened, while the Uruguayan presents a hybrid structure, with greater presence of collective mechanisms.