The impact of Washington Consensus rules on the guarantee of constitutional social rights in a comparative perspective in Latin America

Using quantitative and qualitative methods, this study examines the relationship between economic policy approaches, and the supply of public utilities and merit goods in ten selected Latin American countries. Focusing on the ‘extreme cases’ of Chile, Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia, the article employs a comprehensive analysis of dozens of constitutional provisions, economic and constitutional literature, illustrative case studies to assess the effects of various policy options directed to make people enjoy greater well-being. The results indicate that adherence to economic orthodoxy, as expressed by the Washington Consensus, appears to have a greater impact on the provision of fundamental goods and services, as a trend in the ten countries.