Ascent to Bankruptcy: Financing Social Security in Latin America (Pitt Latin American Series) - Softcover

Mesa-Lago, Carmelo

9780822985129: Ascent to Bankruptcy: Financing Social Security in Latin America (Pitt Latin American Series)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0822985128 ISBN 13: 9780822985129

Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1990

In 1990, Carmelo Mesa-Lago, the foremost authority on social security in Latin America, concluded that all of the region's programs were imperiled, especially those in the most advanced nations. His study of twenty countries, originally sponsored by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America, critically reviews major financial problems, low and uneven population coverage, erosion in benefits, increasing costs, and the impact of social security on development.

In words that eerily echo current U.S. debates, Mesa-Lago analyzes virtually all social insurance programs: old age, disability and survivors' pensions; health care; occupational hazards; family allowances; and unemployment. For social security specialists, this impressive study will serve as a comprehensive regional handbook on the legal, administrative, and financial features of Latin America's programs. Students of comparative policy and applied economics will find Mesa-Lago's methodology, analytical framework, and policy recommendations invaluable.

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About the Author:

Carmelo Mesa-Lago is Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Economics and Latin American Studies at the University of Pittsburgh and has been a visiting professor, researcher or lecturer in 40 countries. He is the author of 82 books and 275 articles/chapters published in seven languages in 34 countries; his most recent is Reassembling Social Security: A Survey of Pension and Healthcare Reforms in Latin America (Oxford University Press, 2008). Mesa-Lago has worked in all Latin American countries and several in the Caribbean, as well as in Germany, Egypt, Ghana, Philippines and Thailand, as a regional advisor for ECLAC, a consultant with the ILO, the International Social Security Association, PAHO, UNRISD, UNDP, and other U.N. branches, as well as most international financial organizations (World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank), and national and foreign foundations. A former President of the Latin American Studies Association, he has been awarded: the inaugural ILO International Prize on Decent Work (shared with Nelson Mandela), the Alexander Von Humbolt Stiftung Senior Prize and collaborative research grants, two Fulbright Senior Awards, Arthur Whitaker and Hoover Institution Prizes, University of Pittsburgh Senior Research Prize, Annual Recognition from the Association for the Study of the Cuban Economy, homage from OISS and CISS (for life work on social security), homage from the Institute of Cuban Studies and journal Encuentro (for life work on Cuba), and finalist in Spain's Prince of Asturias Prize on Social Sciences. He is a Member of the National Academy of Social Insurance and of editorial boards of seven academic journals, and has received grants from the Ford, Heinz, Kellogg, Mellon, Reynolds, Rockefeller, Tinker and Inter-American Foundations, SSRC, NSF, Friedrich-Ebert Stiftung, Japan Foundation and US-Spain Commission for Academic Exchange. Choice have selected several of his books as "outstanding."

Review:

"A very important book, with scientific precision, specially valuable in the description and minute analysis of several problems of social security in little studied areas, particularly its costs, and because of the erudition and prestige of the author is obligatory lecture in one of the most relevant themes of our times" (Hugo de los Campos, Cuadernos del CLAEH, 1986).

"Mesa-Lago is widely acknowledged as the leading expert on Latin American social security, his advice has been sought by dozens of governments in the region, and he has published his findings in dozens of books and articles. This book brings his years of experience in a single volume of interest to all concerned with Latin American development and the diminished role the government plays in providing social services to ameliorate poverty. He demonstrates in his excellent book how social security must adjust to changing realities in the region" (William McGreevy, World Bank, 1989).

"A comprehensive scholarly work that is a must for students interested in the development of social security in Latin America...A realistic honest appraisal supported by the best statistics one can possibly obtain. Represents the culmination of efforts over many years, combining theoretical research and on-site evaluations" (Beryl Frank, Social Security expert OAS, 1989).

"Over the years, Mesa-Lago has made invaluable contributions to the analysis of the nature and evaluation of social security and healthcare policies in Latin America. This book will become an essential source of information and an indispensable tool for future research on the topic. He also provides suggestions for policy reforms that should be seriously considered by the social security agencies in each country and by international organizations" (Silvia Bortzutzky, Latin American Research Review, 1993).

"This book directly assails problems of social security administration, politics, funding and coverage in Latin America. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the region's programs, Mesa-Lago offers a detailed exposition of the reasons for the current crisis. His analysis is incisive, his conclusions are based on six case studies. Proponents of social security in Latin America and elsewhere would do well to heed his admonitions" (James Midgley, Journal of International and Comparative Welfare 1993).

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