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.

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.

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 continues to control much of the region's resources and money, leading to institutions that prioritize their needs over the rest of the population. This unequal distribution of wealth has resulted in a lack of well-paid job opportunities, further exacerbating economic disparities and creating social unrest. Additionally, historical examples like Cuba's economic downfall in the 1950s demonstrate the impact of inequality on political stability in the region. Though there have been some changes in economic policies over time, the legacy of deep-seated inequality continues to be a driving factor in political instability in Latin America.