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

Question

Responses

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.

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.

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

Overall, the argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America can be supported by the fact that economic growth has been focused on institutions that do not provide well-paid employment, leading to a lack of available high-paying jobs in the region. Additionally, the continued control of resources and money by an elite social group rooted in colonial power has caused institutions to prioritize the needs of this group over the general population, exacerbating inequality. Finally, the shift away from communist economic and social policies towards more capitalist practices has not necessarily addressed the underlying issues of inequality and political instability in the region. These factors combined suggest a strong link between high levels of inequality and the political instability experienced in Latin America.