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The Care Agenda in Latin America: Towards a New Understanding of Well‐being?

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  • Belén Villegas Plá

Abstract

Since the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2020–22, care policies have gained increasing relevance worldwide, particularly in Latin America. Currently, several countries in this region are developing care policies based on feminist principles that position care as a central component in the reproduction of societies. This perspective recognizes care as a social need that must be addressed and as a crucial tool for promoting fairer and more equitable gender relations. Through an extensive documentary analysis that includes government documents, reports from international organizations, laws, decrees and regulations related to care in eight Latin American countries, this article outlines the care agenda in the region from 2020 to 2024. The article examines how this agenda challenges the notion of well‐being in Latin American societies and the traditional social protection frameworks that characterize this region.

Suggested Citation

  • Belén Villegas Plá, 2025. "The Care Agenda in Latin America: Towards a New Understanding of Well‐being?," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 56(3), pages 426-456, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:devchg:v:56:y:2025:i:3:p:426-456
    DOI: 10.1111/dech.70001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sara Stevano & Alessandra Mezzadri & Lorena Lombardozzi & Hannah Bargawi, 2021. "Hidden Abodes in Plain Sight: the Social Reproduction of Households and Labor in the COVID-19 Pandemic," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1-2), pages 271-287, April.
    2. Francesca Bettio & Janneke Plantenga, 2004. "Comparing Care Regimes In Europe," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 85-113.
    3. Stephanie Seguino, 2020. "Engendering Macroeconomic Theory and Policy," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 26(2), pages 27-61, April.
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