Peronism and social security: from social justice to economic development (1943-1955 and 1973-1976)

Abstract

This article analyzes proposals and debates on social security during the two periods of Peronist government in mid-twentieth-century Argentina: (a) 1943–1955, encompassing both Perón’s presidency and the preceding de facto government, and (b) the return of Peronism after its proscription, from 1973 to 1976. Seeking to dismantle the notion of a single, unified model of social security under Peronism, the article examines the different policies implemented, the debates that took place, and the consensuses—generally implicit—and dissents—more often explicit—by comparing the two periods mentioned above. It addresses questions related to the management of the system, notions of social justice and social protection, mechanisms for expanding coverage, and the articulation between social security and development.