ECONOMIC-REFORMS, SOCIAL-POLICY, AND THE FAMILY ECONOMY IN CHILE

Chile's long tradition of welfare programs included ''generous'' benef its for many working women. The social security system, however, perpe tuated significant forms of gender and class inequality. In the 1970s and 1980s, poverty was greatly increased by sweeping market reforms. T he military government responded to the high social costs with a minim al safety net which targeted expectant mothers, small children and the extremely poor, but was inadequate for most of the population. After the return of democracy, income distribution has improved in the 1990s , Yet, much needs to be done to promote family well-being through effe ctive and participatory social policies.