Question

Question

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

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.
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.

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.

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.

Answer 1

The argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America can be supported by focusing on the points that emphasize how economic disparities contribute to social and political discontent.

1. Lack of Well-Paid Employment: The historical focus on economic growth through institutions that do not provide well-paid jobs, such as plantations, has contributed to a persistently high level of inequality. When a large portion of the population lacks access to decent employment opportunities and adequate wages, it results in widespread poverty and frustration. This economic disenfranchisement can fuel political instability as marginalized groups become more likely to challenge the existing political order in pursuit of economic justice.

2. Elite Control of Resources: The argument that an elite social group, rooted in colonial history, continues to control much of the region's resources is critical. This concentration of wealth allows the elite to wield disproportionate influence over political institutions, often leading to policies that favor their interests over the broader populace. As a result, the government may prioritize the needs of a small elite instead of addressing the concerns of the majority. This can lead to feelings of alienation among the lower and middle classes, potentially resulting in protests, uprisings, and other forms of political instability.

3. Historical Context: The mention of the decline in communist policies in the region suggests a shift towards more market-oriented approaches that may still fail to address deep-seated inequalities. While changes in policy might allow for some entrepreneurial opportunities, they do not necessarily alleviate the structural conditions that perpetuate inequality. If the benefits of economic growth continue to accrue to a small elite, disillusionment can grow among the wider population, leading to instability.

4. Cuba's Economic Decline: The reference to Cuba, which faced a decline in its economic and social situation despite past growth, illustrates the fragility of political stability in the face of economic challenges. Economic downturns disproportionately affect the lower-income population, and in the absence of effective mechanisms for addressing inequality, such situations can lead to unrest, dissatisfaction, and movements aimed at demanding change.

In summary, high levels of inequality in Latin America emerge from historical and structural economic factors that fuel discontent among the general populace. The continued dominance of an elite class over political and economic resources exacerbates these conditions, leading to instability as the disenfranchised seek to challenge an inequitable status quo.