SINCE the mid-1990s, new approaches to poverty reduction have been introduced in countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Some have involved income transfer programmes that target poorer citizens based on various means tests. Most have targeted female caregivers, primarily mothers. LEILA PATEL, Professor of Social Development Studies, University of Johannesburg NATASHA BORGES SUGIYAMA, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee WENDY HUNTER, Professor of Government, The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts The most expansive child and family grants are in Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and South Africa, which has put in place the biggest…