The inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean It is very high and remains constantly above what is observed in other regions. Today, in the region, while the richest 10% keeps 55% of the income and 77% of the wealth, the poorest 50% collects 10% of the income and only 1% of the wealth.
Other ways to measure deconomic equality bear witness to the same pattern, which is analyzed in detail in the new Report on the Economy and Development (RED2022) by CAF-development bank of Latin America, entitled Inherited inequalities: the role of skills, employment and wealth in employment opportunities. the new generations.
The report was presented at the 176th meeting of CAF’s Board of Directors, held in Montevideo, with the participation of Ministers of Economy and Finance, presidents of central banks and economic authorities of the shareholder countries.
“Latin America and the Caribbean is for decades and perhaps centuries, one of the most unequal regions in the world. This remains true despite the economic and social progress of the last twenty years, which has not been enough to undo the deep roots of inequality in our region.
The disparities also extend to educational and employment opportunities to which Latin Americans and Caribbeans have access”, commented Sergio Díaz-Granados, executive president of CAF.
The lack of social mobility tends to alter incentives for effort and distort the allocation of human talent, affecting productivity and growth, he said.
