Abstract:Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programmes are key to reducing the effects of the economic crisis among the poor in Latin America. Their implementation, however, entails two risks: an increase in political clientelism (exchange of votes for favours) and the widening of the power gap between the poor population and local authorities. In order to gain access to the programme and receive financial aid, families rely on the authorities in charge of registering beneficiaries and checking compliance with conditionalities. As a result, government actors enjoy a better power position at the local level and/or are able to ask for political support in return. (...)

Keywords:Direct, Mediated, Relationships, Civic Involvement, Social Accountability, Bolsa Família Programme

Publication Date:15 March 2010

Type/Issue:One Pager/106

ISSN:2318-9118