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  3. Journal of Economic Literature
  4. September 2017
  5. Conditional Cash Transfers: The Case of Progresa/Oportunidades

Conditional Cash Transfers: The Case of Progresa/Oportunidades

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Abstract

Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs innovate by conditioning transfers to poor families on investments in the human capital of children and other family members. The Mexican CCT program Progresa/Oportunidades began in 1997 and has served as a model for many of the now over sixty countries with CCTs around the world, in large part due to its initial evaluation with an experimental design and numerous follow-up studies. This article reviews the literature on the development, evaluation, and findings of Progresa/Oportunidades, summarizing what is known about program effects, taking into account corrections for multiple-hypothesis testing.

Citation

Parker, Susan W., and Petra E. Todd. 2017. "Conditional Cash Transfers: The Case of Progresa/Oportunidades." Journal of Economic Literature, 55 (3): 866-915. DOI: 10.1257/jel.20151233

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • H23 Taxation and Subsidies: Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
  • I18 Health: Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
  • I28 Education: Government Policy
  • I32 Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
  • I38 Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty: Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
  • O15 Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration