Poverty and disenfranchisement: the process of individualization of the social issue in Argentina

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the Argentine case from the mid-1970s to the beginning of the 21st century, understanding the depth of the political, economic, and social changes that took place. We view them as part of a broader process of neoliberalization, which develops layers and impulses that intensify regressive changes.

We analyze the concrete expressions of structural transformations in Argentina during the period under study. We use data from the national statistics system and information from international organizations as our primary sources. We then present the main components that define the neoliberal hegemonic dynamic, identifying transitions from state intervention to residual, poverty-focused welfare policies. The other side of the coin is the process of retraction and dematerialization of the citizenship rights achieved in the 20th century.