This paper selectively synthesizes much of the research on Latin American and Caribbean labor markets in recent years. Several themes emerge that are particularly relevant to ongoing policy dialogues. First, labor legislation matters, but markets may be less segmented than previously thought....

As the financial crisis has spread through the world, the lack of real-time data has made it difficult to track its impact in developing countries. This paper uses a micro-simulation approach to assess the poverty and distributional effects of the crisis in the Philippines. The authors find...

: The economic rationale for conditional cash transfers -- Design and implementation features of CCT programs -- The impact of CCTs on consumption poverty and employment -- The impact of CCT programs on the accumulation of human capital -- Conditional cash transfers : policy and design options

"Does child labor decrease as household income rises? This question has important implications for the design of policy on child labor. This paper focuses on a program of unconditional cash transfers in Ecuador. It argues that the effect of a small increase in household income on child labor...

Raising children: the case for government intervention -- A report card on early childhood development -- Family first -- Daycare services: it's all about quality -- Early schooling: teachers make the difference -- More bang for the buck: investing in early childhood development -- Drawing up an...