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

Question

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

Answer 1

The argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America is supported by several factors. First, the control of resources and wealth by an elite social group with colonial roots has resulted in institutions prioritizing the needs of this group over the wider population. This creates a sense of exclusion and marginalization among the majority of the population, leading to social unrest and demands for change.

Additionally, the shift away from communist economic and social policies towards private ownership has not necessarily resulted in improved living conditions for the general population. While some individuals may have been able to start their own businesses, the overall distribution of wealth remains highly unequal. This lack of economic opportunities and income mobility further exacerbates social tensions and fuels political discontent.

The case of Cuba serves as a cautionary tale, as it experienced significant economic and social growth in the middle of the twentieth century but eventually faced challenges and decline. This underscores the idea that economic growth that primarily benefits a small elite is not sustainable and can contribute to political instability when the majority of the population does not benefit from these advancements.

Lastly, the concentration of economic growth in sectors like plantations, which do not provide well-paid employment, creates a lack of quality job opportunities in the region. This leads to high levels of unemployment, underemployment, and poverty, which in turn can contribute to social and political instability.

In conclusion, the argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America is supported by the control of resources by an elite group, the limited benefits of economic liberalization, the decline of previously successful economies, and the lack of well-paid job opportunities.