Description
Book SynopsisVital Connections is the first book-length treatment in English of the evolution of social security in Chile and its privatization under the Pinochet regime. Borzutzky''s study contains a dynamic history of Chilean politics, a sophisticated discussion of social inequalities, and an in-depth analysis of social security policies in Chile from 1924 to the present. Her work focuses on three critical historical periods: the mid-1920s, the late 1960s, and the early to mid-1970s. In each of these key epochs, Chile experienced a crisis which prompted a reform of its socioeconomic organization and, consequently, of its social security system.
Throughout this concise, readable book, Borzutzky argues that Chile''s social security system presented to the world a positive image, while hiding a political reality that was steeped in profound inequality. According to Borzutzky, Chile''s social security system helped to create a narrative that portrayed the country as a unified societ
Trade Review
“Backed by solid research, this book sheds light on modern Chilean history, the ties between politics and state policies, and the connections between political goals and social security.” —Hispanic American Historical Review
“…the study is well-argued and readable … a good overview of the topic.” –Iberoamericana
“Borzutsky’s readable analysis of political and policy problems in Chilean social security has implications for advocates of both social democratic and market-oriented approaches to social policy. Recommended for undergraduates and above.” —Choice
“...[A]n empirically rich account of the development of social security policies in Chile in the twentieth century. The book’s detailed account of Chile’s social security reforms demonstrates the vital connections of the Chilean case with contemporary policy debates over pension privatization.” —Latin American Politics and Society
“This book offers a timely and important contribution to the examination of social security that is relevant for Chile and for the countries that have studied and adapted the so-called Chilean model in Latin America. . . . While there have been a number of articles on this subject in English, this is the first book on the evolution of social security in Chile.” —Latin American Perspectives
