Which statement is NOT a feature of Mexico's poverty policy mix?

Which statement is NOT a feature of Mexico's poverty policy mix?

• A. Targeted subsidies and conditional cash transfers
• B. Social development initiatives
• C. Universal basic income with no targeting
• D. Progresa/Prospera style programs

Answer: (C)

Mexico relies on targeted approaches to poverty reduction, rather than universal ones. Targeted subsidies and conditional cash transfers aim the help at households in poverty and tie assistance to specific behaviors, like sending children to school or attending health checkups. Progresa, later renamed Oportunidades and then Prospera, is the classic example of this approach: it provides cash to poor families but conditions its use on health, nutrition, and education requirements. Broader social development initiatives accompany these programs, focusing on improving access to health, education, and social services for disadvantaged groups. A universal basic income with no targeting does not fit this pattern. It would give cash to everyone regardless of need, whereas Mexico’s poverty policy mix intentionally targets those in poverty and links aid to outcomes.

Mexico relies on targeted approaches to poverty reduction, rather than universal ones. Targeted subsidies and conditional cash transfers aim the help at households in poverty and tie assistance to specific behaviors, like sending children to school or attending health checkups. Progresa, later renamed Oportunidades and then Prospera, is the classic example of this approach: it provides cash to poor families but conditions its use on health, nutrition, and education requirements. Broader social development initiatives accompany these programs, focusing on improving access to health, education, and social services for disadvantaged groups.

A universal basic income with no targeting does not fit this pattern. It would give cash to everyone regardless of need, whereas Mexico’s poverty policy mix intentionally targets those in poverty and links aid to outcomes.