This edition of the Social Panorama of Latin America and the Caribbean addresses the challenges of labor integration as a central axis for inclusive social development. Despite a recovery in social indicators in 2022 (reduction in poverty and inequality, recovery in employment), the country faces a double trap of low growth and high levels of poverty and inequality. Labor inclusion is key to combating poverty, reducing informality and inequality and promoting inclusive social development. The gender differences in work inclusion are caused by the unequal distribution of the care workload that falls on women. For migrants, overqualification and discrimination also affect their integration into the labor market. Countries’ efforts to invest in labor policies, which on average represent 0.34% of GDP, are insufficient. It is necessary to move from work inclusion to work integration, ensuring access to quality jobs, labor income above the minimum wage and access to social protection, especially for women and young people.
