Inequality in Latin America: a synthesis of recent research on the levels, trends, effects and determinants of inequality in its different dimensions.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to uncover: what inequality means in Latin America in different dimensions; what the consequences are for poverty reduction and growth; what the causes are of inequality; and to review some policy interventions that have been useful in fighting poverty. It also aims to discover where we are in terms of amount of knowledge on inequality in Latin America, and what is left to find out. This paper has been organised into four main analytical sections. Levels and Trends in Inequality describes the level of inequality in Latin America and its trends in different dimensions: income, consumption, education and health. The Effects of Inequality analyses the possible effects of inequality on growth and poverty reduction. The Diagnostics of Inequality describes the possible causes and diagnostics of inequality in Latin America. Programmes and Policy Interventions details some programmes that have been implemented in several countries in Latin America to reduce poverty and inequality. Annexed to this main work is a list of research institutions studying inequality in different countries in Latin America and a summary of the ideas about future research on this topic.

Citation

Overseas Development Institute, UK, ISBN: 0 85003 784 0, 47 pp.

Inequality in Latin America: a synthesis of recent research on the levels, trends, effects and determinants of inequality in its different dimensions.

Published 1 January 2006