Care economy in Magallanes: Territorial evidence for a new social configuration

Abstract

This article analyzes the economics of care in the Magallanes and Chilean Antarctic Re­gion from a territorial perspective, aiming to provide empirical evidence for rethinking the social configuration of well-being. Using a quantitative approach based on the descrip­tive and exploratory analysis of secondary data, the article examines the demand for care, existing public coverage, and regional economic costs, utilizing data from population censuses, social surveys, and administrative sources. The results show that, while Maga­llanes ranks as the fourth most aged region nationally, it exhibits significant dispersion across municipalities in this indicator, complicating the equitable provision of care. Furthermore, the regional public service offering is fragmented and limited, creating access gaps that primarily affect families and women caregivers. The economic cost analysis suggests that moving towards a regional care system is fiscally viable, provided that a sustainability, planning, and evaluation approach is incorporated, along with a clearer political definition of the desired care model. Taken together, the findings support the need to conceive of care as a strategic sector for the region and to articulate a welfare model that recognizes territorial inequalities and promotes social cohesion.