Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management

Panel: (Un)Anticipated Effects of Conditional Cash Transfers: Lessons from Latin America

(Sustainable Social Services Across the Life Course)

Over the last two decades Conditional Cash Transfers (CCTs) have expanded as the preferred form of social assistance in developing countries. These programs aim to alleviate poverty in the short-run and eradicate the intergenerational transmission of poverty in the long-run by promoting the use of social services (i.e. education, health and nutrition). While there is extensive evidence on the direct effect of CCTs, less is known about the impact of these programs on broader dimensions related to households’ and communities’ well-being – beyond income, education and health outcomes, among others. Moreover, there is scarce evidence on indirect or unexpected effects. This panel puts together five studies that examine the unanticipated effects of CCTs on: crime, domestic violence, private transfers, educational aspirations, and labor market participation. Together, these papers allow to draw important lessons from the potential role of CCTs to improve welfare beyond improving access to education and health services.