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.

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.
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.

The argument that high levels of inequality have led to political instability in Latin America is supported by the fact that an elite social group, stemming from the colonial elite, controls a large portion of the region's resources and wealth. This leads to institutions prioritizing the needs of this elite group over the general population, creating resentment and discontent among marginalized groups. Additionally, the lack of well-paid job opportunities in the region contributes to economic disparities, further exacerbating inequality and fueling social unrest. The history of economic and social policies in Latin America, including the shift away from communist policies towards more privatization, has also played a role in perpetuating inequality and contributing to political instability. Overall, the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few has created a sense of injustice and exclusion among the majority of the population, leading to instability and protests in many Latin American countries.