Why does Latin America have such extreme inequality?

[memphis]

Anybody know?

[Beet]

Inequality is as deeply rooted as it is complex. The World Bank's research team drew data from 20 countries based on household surveys covering 3.6 million people, and reviewed extensive economic, sociological and political science studies on inequality in Latin America. The team found that the unequal distribution of resources that characterizes the region today follows a pattern set with specific traits of European colonization in the region.

In modern times as in the early colonial periods, elite populations shaped institutions and policies to serve their interests first, the report found. For instance, most LAC countries did not achieve high levels of literacy until well into the 20th century. Low levels of support for basic education contrasted with generous financing for universities, where the children of the elite were trained. Political institutions in the region, typically, have been weak. And while transitions to democracy have brought valuable gains, patterns of influence remain highly unequal, with traditions of clientelism and patronage often continuing despite national and local elections.

Link

[Tetro Kornbluth]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History

To put it simply...

[opebo]

Yes, it is because of history, but it is worth noting that many other locales, including the US and Europe, were roughly that unequal before something was done about it (and they're certainly heading back in that direction).

Another way to put this is, yes, Spanish (and Portuguese) colonialism was especially harsh or extreme case, but that it is really fairly accurate model of what is being done in every culture or region in the world as the System enslaves all.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Mostly because of the stregth of a class of old land proprietaries. Also, several times, the needed equalitarian reforms were stopped because of continuous military coups and dictatorships. Now it seems that times have changed, but it's hard to say how many time it would take to get the levels of decency of old industrialized countries. There's a whole society to change.

[Swing low, sweet chariot. Comin' for to carry me home.]

because it is extremely corrupt

[Tetro Kornbluth]

because it is extremely corrupt

No more than many other parts of the world...

[Swing low, sweet chariot. Comin' for to carry me home.]

because it is extremely corrupt

No more than many other parts of the world...

and many other parts of the world have extreme inequality, so what's your point?

[Hash]

because it is extremely corrupt

No more than many other parts of the world...

and many other parts of the world have extreme inequality, so what's your point?

This thread is about income inequality in Latin America, not income inequality and corruption worldwide or whatever you seem to think it is.

[Tetro Kornbluth]

because it is extremely corrupt

No more than many other parts of the world...

and many other parts of the world have extreme inequality, so what's your point?

Many parts of the world have greater inequality but aren't as corrupt (and for that matter what are we defining as corruption?). 'Corruption' is hardly an explanation, I still believe my answer is the most accurate.