Impact of Social Policies on Multidimensional Poverty in Guayaquil

This study analyzes the impact of social policies on multidimensional poverty in the city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, focusing on the effectiveness of public programs implemented during the last decade. A quantitative, non-experimental and cross-sectional research design was applied, using secondary data from official national surveys and institutional reports. The Multidimensional Poverty Index was employed as the main analytical framework, considering dimensions such as education, health, housing conditions, employment, and access to basic services. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to examine variations in poverty levels and their association with selected social policies. The results indicate a moderate reduction in multidimensional poverty, particularly in dimensions related to access to basic services and education; however, persistent deprivations remain in employment quality and housing conditions. The discussion highlights that while social policies have contributed positively to improving certain living standards, their impact has been uneven across population groups and urban areas, revealing structural limitations in program targeting and sustainability. The study concludes that social policies in Guayaquil have generated partial improvements in multidimensional poverty reduction, but stronger intersectoral coordination, continuous monitoring, and a territorial approach are required to achieve more equitable and lasting outcomes. These findings provide relevant evidence for policymakers and contribute to the academic debate on urban poverty and social policy effectiveness in developing contexts.