From “Papito Corazón” to Economic Hardship: An Intersectional Analysis of Child Support Debt among Low-Income Mothers in Chile

Abstract

This study examines child support debt through an intersectional lens, focusing on its disproportionate impact on women and its unique implications within social relationships. Drawing from a 10-month longitudinal qualitative study with low-income mothers in Santiago, Chile, we challenge existing regulations governing child support provisions. We uncover discrepancies between judicial regulations and women's economic realities, revealing how current laws favor middle-class men. We explore the distinctions women make in delineating this debt relationship and the unique social dynamics involved. The research highlights how child support debt impacts women's identity construction and agency. By integrating intersectional analysis, the study underscores the complexity of child support debt, emphasizing the need to consider gender, class, and social context in understanding this phenomenon. Our findings suggest that current regulations fail to address the needs of low-income women, highlighting the importance of policy reforms to ensure equitable support.