Social Work and Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America.

Authors

Cindy Calvo, University of Kansas

Keywords

Conditional cash transfers, Latin America, social work role, anti-poverty programs

Abstract

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs are a recent anti-poverty strategy in Latin America. CCT programs provide cash benefits to finance basic needs and foster investment in human capital to extremely poor households. These benefits are conditioned on certain behaviors, usually related to investments in nutrition, health, and education. In the literature, there is a recognizable lack of analyses from social science disciplines related to CCT program implications. This paper contributes in this arena by analyzing the particular role of social work in CCT anti-poverty programs. The educational element of these programs and its theoretical foundation based on the human capital model, the debate around issues of conditionality and targeting, the possible role of CCT programs in a broader reform of social protection systems, and professional practice implications using the Chilean CCT program as a model will be addressed.

Recommended Citation

Calvo, Cindy (2011) "Social Work and Conditional Cash Transfers in Latin America.," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 38: Iss. 3, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3611
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol38/iss3/4