Evaluation of Policy Interventions by the Center for Latin American Social Policy

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CLASP researchers conduct rigorous evaluations of social policy programs using randomized and quasi-experimental methods as well as structural models of individual behavior. The aim of these evaluations is to understand how to improve the wellbeing of the population by analyzing the effectiveness, scalability, and implementation feasibility of programs. Researchers collaborate closely with local institutions to support capacity-building in the region.

Research Projects

Experimental Design of a Non-Contributory Social Security Program in Yucatan, Mexico

Given the worldwide trend of aging populations, it is important to learn about the long- and short-term effects of non-contributory social security programs. With the State of Yucatan, CLASP designed such a program for towns with more than 20,000 inhabitants. The project team is now evaluating its impact on the welfare of residents ages 70 and older.

Is a Dream Deferred a Dream Denied? Evidence from a Mexican College Lottery

The standard model of educational decisions predicts no (or minimal) effects of deferral on educational attainment, but this model may not tell the whole story. A study of those who were not accepted by lottery to a Mexican college shows that labor market effects must also be considered.

Immigration Behavior and the Labor Market Decisions of Middle-Aged and Elderly Mexicans

To understand what policies and incentives influence the decisionmaking patterns of middle-aged and elderly Mexicans, RAND researchers used panel data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study to compare the retirement behavior of non-migrant Mexicans with those who had migration spells to the United States and later returned to Mexico.

Effects of Mexican Pension Reform on Well-Being During Retirement

Mexico introduced personal retirement accounts in 1997, and it is important to understand who have been the winners and losers of this type of pension reform. The research team used social security administrative records to examine the effects of the Mexican pension system reform and model other outcomes.

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Assessing the Effectiveness of Conditional Cash Transfers as a Development Mechanism — Nov 6, 2012

Conditional cash transfer programs (CCTs) are seen as particularly effective in low- and middle-income countries, but relatively little is known about the interface between the supply of services and program administration and specific human development outcomes. RAND Europe assessed the effectiveness of CCTs through a two-year grant from UK Economic Social Research Council and Department for International Development.