Papers > By author > Verónica Villarespe Reyes

Separating the concepts of poverty and impoverishment is fundamental to understand: process and what to do to reduce poverty. Separating analytically and methodologically may seem easy, however, this involves the complexity of the trinomial: conception, measurement and programs. Although there is a link between these three elements, this link is not linear: from the measurement of poverty its conception can be defined and hence the consequent program to combat poverty. Currently the program against poverty in Mexico or, for the intergenerational overcoming of poverty, has the name of Progresa-Oportunidades-Prospera, it is a Conditional Cash Transfers Program (CCT). If poverty is measured by the income of people, and this income is not enough for people to pay for their food, health and education, then the program comes into action, for example with money for scholarships in education. Then there is a correspondence between the measurement of poverty and the anti-poverty program: measurement replaces or assumes the place of conception of poverty and measurement is now indispensable for the implementation of any program. Perhaps because of the above there is a bibliography that documents the operation, operation and evaluation of contemporary programs of conditional cash transfers.

Measurement of poverty assumes the conception of poverty. Instrumentation and evaluation of the functioning of conditional cash transfer programs take the place of the analysis of the theoretical foundations that have given rise to these programs. In our opinion, it is fundamental to carry out the previous analysis considering: a) human capital (Schultz and Becker), b) capacities and operations (Amartya Kumar Sen), c) targeting (prioritization of social spending and coverage of the target population) and d) some aspects of economic development (does all economic development slow the process of impoverishment or, in other words, result in the disappearance of poverty?). These issues are not new and, if considered individually, much has been written about them. However, the novelty is its articulation and the historical context in which it has been structured (particularly in Latin America): Washington Consensus, referring to the recommendation of prioritizing public spending. Investigating in depth the theoretical underpinnings of the programs of conditional cash transfers would allow us to unveil the contemporary conception of poverty and from there, if it is the case, to propose different alternative conceptions. If different conceptions are proposed, the measurement (s) and the program (s) will have to be in accordance with these conceptions. Poverty and impoverishment (as a process) will thus take their rightful place.

This paper intends to analyze the three elements mentioned, taking as axis the contemporary conception of poverty.