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Argentina’s second-half 2022 data reveal a sharp reversal in social indicators, driven by hyperinflation that severely eroded purchasing power. The urban poverty rate rose to 39.2%, marking the first increase after three consecutive semesters of decline, while the indigence rate remained stubbornly high. This deterioration occurred despite economic growth, as wage increases failed to keep pace with the soaring cost of the basic food basket, pushing many employed individuals below the poverty line and highlighting the phenomenon of the “working poor.” The disparity between income and living costs is particularly acute, with the cost of essential goods rising faster than overall inflation. This dynamic disproportionately affects vulnerable demographics, specifically children and youth, where over half of minors under fourteen are living in poverty. The data underscore a systemic failure: formal employment no longer guarantees escape from poverty, as the informal sector expands with lower incomes that are easily outpaced by price hikes. This article is highly relevant to open data because it demonstrates how official statistics, when accessible and transparent, serve as critical tools for diagnosing national crises. By making this granular socioeconomic data publicly available, institutions such as INDEC enable civil society, researchers, and policymakers to verify official narratives, analyze the real-world impact of monetary policy, and advocate for targeted social interventions. Transparency in such vital metrics is essential for holding the government accountable during periods of economic instability.

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Published on 2023-04-02

Open Data

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