Analyze the argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America.(1 point)

Question

Responses

An elite social group with its roots in the power of the Spanish, Portuguese, and French colonial elite still controls much of the region's resources and money. This causes institutions to look after the needs of this elite group, rather than all of a country’s population.
An elite social group with its roots in the power of the Spanish, Portuguese, and French colonial elite still controls much of the region's resources and money. This causes institutions to look after the needs of this elite group, rather than all of a country’s population.

Throughout the twentieth century, economic growth was focused on institutions, such as plantations, that do not supply a lot of well-paid employment. The region has fewer well-paid jobs available than other regions.
Throughout the twentieth century, economic growth was focused on institutions, such as plantations, that do not supply a lot of well-paid employment. The region has fewer well-paid jobs available than other regions.

In the middle of the twentieth century, Cuba appeared to be doing quite well. It was growing economically and socially. By the 1950s, however, it was no longer doing so well.
In the middle of the twentieth century, Cuba appeared to be doing quite well. It was growing economically and socially. By the 1950s, however, it was no longer doing so well.

Over time, Latin America’s communist economic and social policies have cooled. For example, many Latin Americans are now able to own private businesses, which was not allowed in the past.

Answer 1

This argument suggests that the high levels of inequality in Latin America have contributed to political instability by creating a system that benefits the elite at the expense of the rest of the population. The lack of well-paid job opportunities and economic growth focused on institutions that do not benefit the majority of the population further exacerbates this inequality. The example of Cuba demonstrates how even when a country appears to be doing well economically and socially, political instability can arise due to underlying inequality issues. The shift towards more capitalist economic policies in Latin America may have addressed some of the inequality, but the deep-rooted issues stemming from historical colonial elite control of resources and money continue to contribute to political instability in the region.