Exercise the right to Social Security: Is it accessible for independent performing artists in Ecuador?

Abstract

The article analyzes the right to social security of independent performing artists in Ecuador through the analysis of the accessibility of the voluntary insurance of the Ecuadorian Institute of Social Security (IESS). Qualitative information has been used, i.e., national (Constitution, Social Security Law) and international regulations (ILO Conventions and recommendations regarding labor and social security), as well as socio-historical information and studies on social security, and interviews with independent performing artists.

The article comprises an introduction that presents the situation of access to social security for independent performing artists by means of national figures. Subsequently, the socio-historical context of social security as a result of a series of social demands from workers' organizations is presented, followed by a regulatory context that establishes the conditions and requirements to be able to enjoy the benefits of voluntary insurance. The analysis of accessibility is based on two criteria: the cost of social security and that such cost does not jeopardize other rights. Finally, some conclusions are drawn.