The tensions in gender relations resulting from this combination of change and continuity in work and family are set against a backdrop of deep social inequality (Comia, 2010; eclac, 2011; L6pez-Calva and Lustig, 2010). What have governments done to address these tensions and with what outcomes for inequality? This article explores that question on the basis of policies adopted during the 10 years of economic expansion since 2003 in the five countries in which —as will be discussed later— social policy is, relatively speaking, most developed in the region: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica and Uruguay.