elpais.com
Mexico Dismantles Key Poverty Measurement Agency
Mexico abolished its poverty measurement agency, Coneval, transferring its functions to Inegi despite concerns about its capacity for independent evaluation. In 2022, Coneval reported 46.8 million Mexicans in poverty, but 9.1 million in extreme poverty.
- What are the immediate consequences of eliminating Mexico's Coneval, and how will this impact poverty measurement and social program evaluation?
- Mexico's Congress eliminated the National Council for the Evaluation of Social Development Policy (Coneval), an autonomous body measuring poverty and evaluating social programs. 49 of its roughly 180 employees will receive severance, with a budget of 14.4 million pesos allocated for its closure. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) will assume Coneval's functions.
- Why did President López Obrador advocate for Coneval's elimination, and what are the potential implications of transferring its responsibilities to the Inegi?
- Coneval's 2022 study reported 46.8 million Mexicans in poverty (a 5.1 million decrease since 2018), but extreme poverty rose from 8.7 to 9.1 million. The Inegi, while possessing the data collection capacity, lacks the legal authority and independent expertise to conduct the same comprehensive evaluations, particularly regarding the impact of social programs beyond monetary transfers. President López Obrador, who initiated the Coneval's elimination in 2019, argued the Inegi could perform the same work and questioned Coneval's methodology.
- How might the lack of an independent body evaluating social programs affect the design and effectiveness of future anti-poverty initiatives in Mexico, and what are the long-term consequences?
- The transfer of Coneval's functions to Inegi raises concerns about the objectivity and methodological rigor of future poverty assessments. The absence of an independent evaluation body risks skewed data and flawed policy recommendations. This change could lead to a less nuanced understanding of poverty and hinder effective social program design, potentially affecting the lives of millions and perpetuating systemic inequalities.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the elimination of Coneval negatively, emphasizing concerns about the loss of independent oversight and potential inaccuracies in poverty measurement. The headline and introduction highlight criticisms of the decision, setting a skeptical tone from the outset.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, but the repeated emphasis on concerns and criticisms, along with quotes from critics, contributes to an overall negative tone. Terms like "elimination," "disappearance," and "concerns" subtly shape the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The analysis omits discussion of potential benefits of integrating Coneval's expertise into the INEGI, focusing primarily on concerns and criticisms. It also doesn't explore alternative solutions that might have preserved Coneval's function while adhering to budget constraints. The perspectives of those who support the merger are largely absent.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by implying that only two options exist: either maintain Coneval as an independent body or absorb its functions entirely into INEGI. It doesn't consider intermediate solutions, such as partial integration or collaboration.
Sustainable Development Goals
The elimination of Coneval, an independent agency responsible for measuring poverty and evaluating social development programs, weakens the country's capacity to accurately assess and address poverty. This is particularly concerning given that 46.8 million people live in poverty, and the number in extreme poverty is increasing. The transfer of Coneval's functions to Inegi, an institution lacking the necessary authority and expertise, raises concerns about the objectivity and comprehensiveness of future poverty data and policy recommendations. The lack of independent evaluation could lead to inaccurate assessments of poverty reduction efforts and hinder effective policymaking.