Framing to Consensus: Understanding the Welfare Expansion with Evidence from Chilean Leave Policy Reform

Gendered social policies, particularly those designed to reconcile work and family life, have expanded in post-retrenchment Chile, marked by unusual generosity from the political right. This article examines the political determinants of work–family policy expansion, focusing on the role of framing in the policymaking process. It argues that reform is more likely when advocates’ frames align with the dominant narratives of powerful political actors. In contrast, even popular or politically rewarding proposals may falter if their frames contradict prevailing narratives. During the formulation and decision-making stages, effective framing helps resolve conflicts by reshaping opponents’ perceptions of costs, benefits, and political feasibility, thereby facilitating consensus. This study contributes to the politics of social policy, with a focus on parental leave reform in Chile between 2006 and 2011. The analysis draws on diverse sources, including semi-structured interviews, policy documents, legislative proceedings, and media coverage.