Introduction
Jessica Corpas Figueroa, an attorney, negotiator, and mediator, emphasizes the importance of effective public policies to tackle social mobility challenges. While recent data from Mexico’s National Household Income and Expenditure Survey (ENIGH) 2024 indicates a decrease in poverty rates, there are still significant disparities that do not reflect structural changes in the development model.
Poverty Reduction and Policy Impact
The ENIGH 2024 reports a reduction of 13.4 million people in poverty between 2018 and 2024, with the highest poverty reduction rates in recorded history. This progress coincides with policies such as increased minimum wages for formal workers and monetary transfers from the Bienestar programs, enhancing economic availability for broad population sectors during a period of the lowest GDP growth in 35 years.
Persistent Social Deficiencies
Despite these positive trends, the CONEVAL (now dismantled by the ruling party) has historically reported a downward trend in poverty levels. The INEGI’s survey methodology differs from CONEVAL’s, making direct comparisons with previous measurements impossible.
- Between 2018 and 2024, 44.5 million Mexicans lacked access to public health services.
- 24.4 million lost or never had access to these services, with many lacking essential medications.
Limited Impact of Bienestar Programs
The distribution of public funds through the Bienestar pension programs, without structural objectives to alter poverty patterns, has not been complemented by educational, health, or labor skills policies. Moreover, these resources primarily stem from a worrying increase in public debt rather than internal wealth generation.
This financial allocation, disguised as transformation, discourages work, lowers productivity, and promotes consumption without fostering capabilities. It functions as a clientelistic mechanism to influence voting.
The Path to Social Mobility
Social mobility is crucial for advancing towards a culture of peace, though not the sole factor. A genuinely responsible and long-term welfare policy should focus on promoting positive, widespread social mobility so more Mexicans can realistically and sustainably improve their socioeconomic positions.
- Overcome structural obstacles through effective programs in education, health, and employment.
- Ensure access to quality education, economic opportunities, formal job creation, and social programs facilitating economic ascent.
- Provide quality and sufficient public health services.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current state of poverty in Mexico? A: Poverty rates have decreased significantly between 2018 and 2024, with the highest reduction rates in recorded history.
- Q: What are the persistent social deficiencies? A: Despite poverty reduction, 44.5 million Mexicans still lack access to public health services, with 24.4 million losing or never having had such access between 2018 and 2024.
- Q: How effective are the Bienestar programs? A: The programs have not been complemented with structural policies in education, health, or labor skills, and their resources mainly come from increased public debt rather than internal wealth generation.
- Q: What is the path to social mobility? A: A responsible and long-term welfare policy should focus on promoting positive, widespread social mobility through effective programs in education, health, and employment.
*The author is an attorney, negotiator, and mediator.
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