Social Spending in Mexico: Needs, Priorities and Reforms

Author/Editor:

Swarnali A Hannan ; Juan Pablo Cuesta Aguirre ; David Bartolini

Publication Date:

October 18, 2021

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

Summary:

Poverty in Mexico was high before the COVID-19 pandemic and has been exacerbated by the pandemic, with significant variation across states. Education losses from the pandemic are likely to be large and worsen pre-existing disparities; unless mitigated soon, they could contribute to heightened scarring over the medium term. Using state-level and cross-country comparisons, this paper reviews key social programs as well as priorities in education and health. It finds that higher spending and improved design of social programs (e.g., better targeting) would reduce socioeconomic gaps, mitigate scarring risks, and foster inclusive growth.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2021/244

Subject:

Frequency:

regular

English

Publication Date:

October 18, 2021

ISBN/ISSN:

9781513599618/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2021244

Pages:

38

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