Why do Beneficiaries Leave the Safety Net in Mexico? A Study of the Effects of Conditionality on Dropouts

B-Tier
Journal: World Development
Year: 2008
Volume: 36
Issue: 4
Pages: 641-658

Authors (3)

Álvarez, Carola (not in RePEc) Devoto, Florencia (not in RePEc) Winters, Paul (University of Notre Dame)

Score contribution per author:

0.670 = (α=2.01 / 3 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

Summary This paper analyzes the characteristics of beneficiaries who drop out of the Mexican conditional cash transfer program Oportunidades to determine if dropping out of the program is a result of self-targeting by the non-poor or the exclusion of the target poor population. Using Oportunidades' administrative data and a discrete duration model, the analysis indicates that wealthier beneficiaries have greater odds of dropping out, suggesting that conditionality acts as a screening device. The results also indicate that administrative factors and the provider of health services to beneficiaries also have an important influence on whether beneficiaries remain in or leave the program.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:eee:wdevel:v:36:y:2008:i:4:p:641-658
Journal Field
Development
Author Count
3
Added to Database
2026-01-29