Social protection global policy trends 2010-2015 : from fiscal consolidation to expanding social protection : key to crisis recovery, inclusive development and social justice

Abstract

Sumario: This paper examines IMF government spending projections for 181 countries, identifying two main phases: fiscal expansion (2008-2009) and fiscal consolidation (2010 onwards); presents the main adjustment measures considered since 2010 and their adverse socio-economic impacts in both high income and developing countries; analyses divergent trends in social protection across regions, focusing on the positive expansion of social protection floors in a majority of developing countries; reviews potential areas of fiscal space for the necessary extension of social protection systems; and presents the developmental arguments to invest in social protection in pursuit of crisis recovery, inclusive development and social justice