FOCUS ON SOCIAL POLICIES: ENVIRONMENT, EDUCATION, HEALTH AND INCOME TO PROMOTE EQUITY IN THE MACHALA CANTON

ENFOQUE EN POLÍTICAS SOCIALES: AMBIENTE, EDUCACIÓN, SALUD E INGRESOS PARA PROMOVER LA EQUIDAD EN EL CANTÓN MACHALA

E-mail: oburgo@umet.edu.ec 

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8231-7217

Cristhian Alejandro Romoleroux-Pacheco¹

E-mail: cristhian.romoleroux@est.umet.edu.ec

¹ Universidad Metropolitana. Ecuador. 

ABSTRACT

Social policies and equity are closely related. The former seek to promote equal opportunities and improve the quality of life of all citizens of the Machala Canton, especially those who are in a vulnerable situation. This research aims to analyze the impact that these policies have generated in the different areas: environment, health, education and income distribution. A non-experimental design based on the social policy approach was used to examine the existing gaps and the results in terms of equity and social well-being. The results indicate that the implemented social policies have sought to promote equity. The ecological economy has been promoted through the promotion of the social and solidarity economy system, access and coverage of health care services have been improved, equal access and quality for all citizens have been guaranteed, measures have been adopted to mitigate economic inequalities and promote a more equitable distribution of resources. However, some policies have not been fully inclusive, which has generated negative effects and persistence of social gaps, so it is necessary to review and adjust these policies to ensure greater inclusion and reduce existing gaps. Based on the results, the aforementioned policies have had positive impacts, but improvements are required to move towards a more equitable society with greater well-being for all.

Keywords: 

Policies, equity, inclusion, well-being, gaps.

RESUMEN

Las políticas sociales y la equidad están estrechamente relacionadas. Las primeras buscan promover la igualdad de oportunidades y mejorar la calidad de vida de todos los ciudadanos del Cantón Machala, especialmente aquellos que se encuentran en situación vulnerable. Esta investigación tiene por objetivo analizar el impacto que han generado dichas políticas en las diferentes áreas: medio ambiente, salud, educación y distribución de ingresos. Se utilizó un diseño no experimental basado en el enfoque de las políticas sociales para examinar las brechas existentes y los resultados en términos de equidad y bienestar social. Los resultados indican que las políticas sociales implementadas han buscado promover la equidad. Se ha promovido la economía ecológica a través de la promoción del sistema de economía social y solidaria, se ha mejorado el acceso y cobertura de los servicios de atención médica, se ha garantizado el acceso igualitario y la calidad para todos los ciudadanos, se han adoptado medidas para mitigar las desigualdades económicas y promover una distribución más equitativa de los recursos. Sin embargo, algunas políticas no han sido totalmente inclusivas, lo que ha generado efectos negativos y persistencia de brechas sociales, por lo que, es necesario revisar y ajustar estas políticas para garantizar una mayor inclusión y reducir las brechas existentes. En base a los resultados las mencionadas políticas han tenido impactos positivos, pero se requieren mejoras para avanzar hacia una sociedad más equitativa y con mayor bienestar para todos.

Palabras clave: 

Políticas, equidad, inclusión, bienestar, brechas.

INTRODUCCIÓN

Social policies are a multidisciplinary field of study that focuses on people’s well-being of through social action. These policies explore the social, political, ideological and institutional context in which the well-being is produced, organized and distributed, according to Rodríguez & Rodríguez (2022), social policy is proposed as “inclusive and liberating, orienting it towards the social development” (p.136). Their main objective is to improve the quality of life of individuals and groups, and they focus on monetary and non-monetary as well, that contributes to increasing or decreasing the well-being. Social policies are a governance instrument that seeks to manage social inequalities and promote equity in society.

Ecuador has worked to promote sustainable development by emphasizing the importance of balancing economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection. Various government policies and programs have emphasized on sustainable development. The country has also prioritized the development of renewable energy, capitalizing on resources such as hydroelectric energy. This has made it possible to minimize dependence on fossil fuels and, at the same time, reduce the greenhouse gas emissions.

Regarding education, it is concerned with guaranteeing equal access to quality education for all individuals, regardless their socioeconomic origin. In the health sector, it searches for to guarantee equitable access, improve primary care, reduce inequalities, promote healthy lifestyles, improve infrastructure and resources of the health system. Montagut (2000), regarding social policies states: “interested in improving living conditions and endorsing equal opportunities for citizens” (p.205). Regarding income distribution, social policy seeks to reduce economic inequalities and promote equity among citizens. This involves the implementation of policies that promote the redistribution of wealth, through progressive tax systems, income transfer programs, inclusive employment policies and measures to combat poverty and social exclusion. 

Social policy is also concerned on promoting healthy lifestyles, attention to vulnerable groups and improving the infrastructure and resources of the health system. Regarding income distribution, social policy seeks to reduce economic inequalities and promote equity among citizens. This involves the implementation of policies that promote the redistribution of wealth, through progressive tax systems, income transfer programs, inclusive employment policies and measures to combat poverty and social exclusion.

MÉTODOS MATERIALS AND METHODS

To analyze the impact and influence of social policies in the Machala Canton, a non-experimental design is proposed, which has been taken as the most appropriate method for work. Following Murillo (2011), the non-experimental method analyzes the effects that have already occurred and cannot be modified, that is, the result is only selected and analyzed once it has been subsequently observed. In addition, the variables involved cannot be manipulated by the author of the research.

The criteria that have been taken into account are based on: reviewing and collecting qualitative and quantitative information from academic researches, review of the Institutional Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Ecuador in its different branches (health, education) and its strategic objectives, analysis of statistical data of different institutions. Works that have been prepared outside the period established above are excluded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Ecuador has ratified its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has declared the 2030 Agenda as public policy of the National Government. The National Assembly has also adopted a resolution for implementing the SDGs and considers them as a mandatory reference for its work. In addition, decentralized autonomous governments, the private sector and civil society have joined this national commitment, seeking to achieve common objectives of equal opportunities and a dignified life for all people.

The SNU would also support the implementation and monitoring of international instruments related to the areas of human rights, environment, risk management, among others, many of which have been transformed into national policies, such as the National Human Mobility Plan, which has placed the country as a reference in this area (Ecuador. National Assembly, 2018).

To guarantee that health services reach every corner of the Machala Canton, mobile units have been implemented that provide first-level basic care completely free. These units move through different sectors, either in response to the community requests or based on identified needs. These mobile units, known as Mobile Clinic 1, 2 and 6, are equipped with general medical personnel, dentists and nursing assistants. Table 1 shows the increase in medical care provided by the Municipal GAD of the Machala Canton, with the implementation of several projects. 

Table 1. Increase in medical care provided by the Municipal GAD of the Machala Canton.

Note. Estimates show optimal development of projects to achieve greater medical coverage.

Policies were implemented in which the main goal was to provide greater medical coverage and in consequence facilitate accessibility to sectors that had difficulties in being treated in medical centers. These investments benefited citizens in the established periods of 2021 and 2022, in 2021 111,417 people were attended and in 2022 137,341 people were attended, which may be interpreted into a percentage increase of 23.27% compared to the previous year. The municipal GAD of Machala (2023), has as 1rst Objective within the National Development Plan: “Guarantee a dignified life with equal opportunities to all people”. To carry out the fulfillment of this objective, a budget has been assigned in order to comply with 100% the implementation of the project.

Table 2 shows the different investment projects in the 2021 period presented by the Municipal GAD of the Machala Canton.
 Table 2. Investment Projects Matrix.

Note. The projects have been presented by the Municipal GAD of Machala in the 2021 period. 

According to the Annual Investment Plan prepared by the GAD of Machala, different projects have been developed to promote equity and inclusion in the different projects created by the authorities; it is expected to generate a positive impact on the quality of life of citizens. In table 3, three of the different social projects created by the Municipality have been selected. 

Table 3. Proposed Projects by the Municipal GAD of Machala.

Note. Proposed Projects are based on equity and social inclusion.

The municipal GAD, through the creation of projects, seeks to improve the quality of life of citizens through training, investment in infrastructure for the benefit of different sectors, strengthening the population's enterprises in order to encourage the entrepreneurs themselves to fulfill their goals, and the improvement of public spaces for people with disabilities. This demonstrates progress within the city administration and an optimal application of social policies that provide the Machala Canton this important advance for all citizens.

The creation of the proposed projects aims to cover the social deficiencies that occur in the population. For this, the government assigns a budget to comply these programs. In general, the budget is broken down to meet several stages and as a result to carry out 100% execution of the project and the previously selected goal. According to De Miguel Díaz (2000), “beyond the practical problems that every intervention strategy entails, it must be assumed that its primary purpose is to promote social transformation.” (p. 294).

Starting from the basis that social policies seek to improve the quality of life in the Machala canton through optimal education, health, among other aspects; the existence of several problems is obvious, which cause poor performance of such policies to be applied, among them it is the insufficient financing to carry out a policy, stigmatization and discrimination, lack of intersectional coordination.

Insufficient financing for social policies can arise due to budget priorities that focus resources on other sectors, limited available resources, demographic changes that generate new demands, economic crises that lead to cuts in social spending, and the lack of political will to allocate appropriate resources to these policies. These factors contribute to the gap between needs and available resources, hindering the effectiveness and the reach of social policies (United Nations Organization, 2018).

The best-known case of stigmatization and discrimination in a social policy occurs when the lack of accessibility is evident and refers to the exclusion and barriers faced by people with disabilities or physical limitations to have access to social programs and services. According to Callejas Fonseca & Piña Mendoza (2005), “stigma is a signal or attribute that marks the bearer as different from others, it is a discrediting feature to the prototype of a certain category.” The lack of accessibility may be evident in inaccessible physical environments, inadequate information and communication, lack of adaptation of technologies and devices, as well as in the lack of consideration of the specific needs of these people in the design of social policies. Thus, full participation in society is limited and hinders their access to fundamental rights such as education, employment, health care and civic participation.

In conclusion, the lack of intersectional coordination occurs due to the lack of effective communication, the fragmentation of responsibilities and the diversity of actors involved in the implementation of such policies. The lack of a clear coordination mechanism between government agencies, non-governmental organizations and other relevant actors can lead to the duplication of efforts, gaps in service coverage and lack of coherence in its implementation, making it difficult to achieve optimal results and maximize of the impact of social policies.

The discussion in Ecuador about environmental and economic policies reveals a strong emphasis on promoting an Ecological Economy and sustainable development. This approach highlights the importance of a social and solidarity economy that values the economic contribution of environmental services and seeks to establish a society of Good Living.

The promotion of environmental awareness by the Ministry of the Environment at different levels, including social, industrial and business, is a significant step to minimize the impact on the environment. The advancement of responsible environmental practices and cleaner production processes proves the country's commitment to sustainability and proper management of natural resources.

The GAD of Machala has been characterized by its commitment to providing first-class care to the community. Also of having highly trained health professionals, they offer complementary services to meet medical needs in a comprehensive manner. Among these services, the availability of laboratory tests and a pharmacy that provides medications at affordable prices stands out, facilitating access to appropriate treatments for patients.

The lack of adequate infrastructure in educational institutions presents an obvious difficulty the accessibility of people with disabilities. The physical barriers that limit the full and equal participation of these individuals in the educational environment are examined. According to Reyes (2018), the “institutions show us that there has not yet been a development of educational centers in the line that Ecuador's government plans outline and that have the ideas of good living as their center.” This scenario not only occurs in settings such as schools, but also in the general infrastructure of the canton.

Education and social equity based on what has been analyzed is a topic of controversy, this is said because there are deficiencies in the educational system, which does not fully promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the teaching process. Although the institutions have a budget granted by the government, this is not allocated for its main objective, because the directors and teachers of the institutions do not fulfill their functions and duties in the internal teaching process for people with disabilities. The main problem is the lack of training for teachers, failures in classrooms infrastructure and the general environment of the establishment. These problems must be addressed urgently because it does not favor social inclusion within the schools.

Income distribution by the GAD focuses on promoting and providing citizens with the opportunities, resources and environment necessary to guarantee a quality life, that is, there is a relationship between cantonal income and the population. Displaying the way in which such income is distributed among the main factors of production. The creations of recreational spaces for the different neighborhoods of the city have been one of the main works accomplished and those that have received the best acceptance from the citizens.

CONCLUSIONES

The budget assigned by the government has not been used adequately to address the difficulties faced by the most vulnerable people. Despite recognizing the existing gaps, it appears to be a lack of focus and the absence of specific resources to ensure effective inclusion and quality education. The attention on environmental awareness and the implementation of responsible practices highlight the country's commitment to sustainability and an adequate protection of natural resources. These actions have positioned Ecuador as a reference in the field of human mobility and environmental management, reflecting a well-founded direction towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

When analyzing the effectiveness of health policies and their impact on the population's health indicators, it can be appreciated that the Municipal GAD of Machala has taken measures to address to the health field, this can already be stated since a great commitment has been demonstrated in creating projects and implementing social programs aimed at promoting employment, recreation and entrepreneurship among citizens. By focusing on equity in the distribution of wealth, income transfer programs and employment opportunities, the Municipal GAD has managed to generate positive impacts in the local community, providing concrete opportunities to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. A thorough review of the allocation and execution of the budget assigned to the needs of people with disabilities is essential to ensure that resources are used effectively and true equal opportunity to be achieved in the educational field.

REFERENCES

Callejas Fonseca, L., & Piña Mendoza, C. (2005). La estigmatización social como factor fundamental de la discriminación juvenil. El Cotidiano, 134, 64-70.

De Miguel Díaz, M. (2000). La evaluación de programas sociales. Fundamentos y enfoques teóricos. Revista de Investigación Educativa, 18(2), 289–317. 

GAD Municipal de Machala. (2023). Planes y programas de la institución en ejecución. Machala. GAD.

Montagut, T. (2000). Política social: una introducción. Internacional de Sociología, 58 (27), 205-207.

Murillo, J. (2011). Métodos de investigación de enfoque experimental. https://www.postgradoune.edu.pe/pdf/documentos-academicos/ciencias-de-la-educacion/10.pdf 

Organización de las Naciones Unidas. (2018). Marco de Cooperación para el Desarrollo Sostenible ONU - Ecuador 2019-2022. ONU. https://ecuador.un.org/sites/default/files/2020-02/Marco%20Cooperacion%20ONU%20-FINAL-Dic4.pdf 

Reyes Roman, D. M. (2018). Procesos inclusivos en niños y niñas del Cantón Machala-El Oro-Ecuador. (Tesis doctoral). Universidade da Coruña.

Rodríguez Peñaloza, M., & Rodríguez Manzanares, E. (2022). Política económica y política social, como una política pública para combatir la pobreza. Espacios públicos, 12(25), 122-150.