Social Inequality & Economic Development
In the article “The Latin American Experience”, Fukuyama lists off multiple factors that contribute to the inequality we see around the world, specifically in Latin America. As European and Asian countries continue to develop and become more equal, Latin American countries have endlessly failed in establishing equal opportunities in basic public services such as education and health. On top of social inequality lies another huge aspect which is poor economic development.
Why do Latin American countries have an exceptionally difficult time developing social equality and economic development? Do these issues come from derive from within the citizens or the government? The answer to these questions is that both the people and the government have an equal role in terms of development. Due to continuous failure by the government, the people are hesitant to invest into what they are trying to do. For example, if the people don’t fully commit to a reform education by the government, then it will simply fail because there isn’t a support behind it. For many years now, Latin American governments have tried to modernize institution without support, and as a result the institution fall.
Personally, I believe that a majority of the problems Latin American countries face are due to the lack of education they have/provide. In order to resolve those problems, the government must invest in education rather than simply increasing the education budget. Although the results of investing in education may take time, it will ultimately lead to better jobs and salaries which could both boost the economy and push the country towards social equality.
Poverty, income/social inequality, and lack of education are common issues we see in today’s society, which is something that needs to be addressed immediately. Fukuyama provides multiple solutions these issues, but states that it isn’t an easy process and it will take time to notice the effects. It is something that must be resolved because if these issues get worse, countries will face the possibility of become failed states.
I agree with the writer that when it comes to developing a country both the government and its subjects must each play their part. This is true since even if the government created development projects and the people refused to utilize them then there would be less economic development. In addition, I think that the example that the writer provides of the government modernizing its institutions and the people refusing to take advantage of them is true as evidenced by institutions of higher learning.
I also agree with the author that lack of education among some of the citizen is one of the primary factors leading to social inequalities in the region. However, I do not concur that investing in education is the best thing that the Latin countries should do to solve the social inequality problem. Instead, I believe, the first thing the governments should do is to reform the education curricula so that the students may gain skills that may help them to carry out economic empowering activities. I further disagree with the writer that education would enable the people to obtain better-paying jobs thus would solve the problem of social inequality. This is because the region is not industrialized thus has fewer employment opportunities. Therefore, the learning institutions should provide technical training such as craft and better agricultural practices. Since the agricultural sector contributes a significant portion of the economy, the government should invest in educating the people to use modern agricultural techniques. Consequently, the majority of the poor who are farmers will earn a higher income leading to improved economic equality in the region.
I agree with your focus on education being one of the primary reasons for this continued inequality in Latin America. It is definitely a reoccurring theme that we see in the United States as well. Even within the institution of education itself, there persists massive inequality. This often has demographic and geographic correlations to it as well–such as by property taxes often funding education,
Inequality is hurt by instability in governance and semi-democratic institutions. Leaders often will campaign on policies that will bridge this inequality gap, but then they will lack the political capital or ability to actually implement. The president of Chile for instance campaigned on free public tuition, but she has faced tough backlash for failing to implement it properly.
Finally, inequality is confounded by urban-rural divides and indigenous people-public official divides as well. There is no real easy answer and this is not going away any time soon.
There are two main points in this article that Fukuyama definitely invites us to consider: 1. Civil Society will not participate if Top-down decisions are lackadaisical; 2. Underdevelopment is (a consequence?) of poor education and health systems.
By coming from a developing country, I can assure you that this is one of the most difficult topics as it is not yet clear, nor I think it will be ever, whether underdevelopment is a cause or a consequence. Education and public health are two of the main factor for measuring HDI, but GDP has also been a valid form of expressing development. The problem is not investing in education, but how to invest in education. Take for example Colombia, a country with more than 100 years of civil wars (Right vs Left, Government V FARC). Civil society is fractured, and there is no presence of the government in many areas. By this I mean that there are people that have no contact with their government whatsoever. Besides creating resentment, this lack of presence can be deepened by the lack of education and health.
So how does this all relate? Think about the Developed world and the pressures it exerts over the underdeveloped. First of, they demand modernization, then de-industrialization, then economic liberalization, then political instability, then human development, and finally, a developed country. These changes, that happened with more than 250 years for these developed countries, have been demanded in less than 50 to Latin American countries.
This post serves as a response to widen our understanding on how development is not as easy as it seems.
I agree with the idea that Latin America needs to begin to emphasize on the education institutions themselves rather than just increasing the budget. But I don’t think I necessarily agree with the idea that if you solely increase education and start with that problem than the social equality will rise. You talk about the idea that if education increases then better jobs and salaries will increase, but what if there is no jobs? Also what if there are regulations and laws, or the lack thereof, that consistently hold back individuals that do have an education from gaining equality and being able to rise in their social status. I personally think you need to look at the employment and business starting opportunities for Latin Americans first in order to open up jobs and allow people to start their own businesses to progress in their lives. If you educate first then you may have a “brain drain” in the country. Meaning those individuals that have education will leave to another country such as the US in order to find a job.
I agree with you that the lack of education can be a reason that why Latin America faces social inequality and many problems. Education is very important. Take Japan for example, before its Meji Restoration in 19th century, Japan is a traditional agriculture country. During its restoration, Japanese government invested a lot on public education including mandatory basic education. Later it proved that these educated people has become pioneers for Japanese modernization. However, education is a long-term reform which is different from other reforms that tested soon so it might be criticized by some people for its lack of efficiency. In my opinion, though education is not the only way to solve the society’s problem, it is a necessary part for Latin America if they want to step forward.
Although education could be a possible way to attempt resolving the issue of inequality, I do not think it is the sole determinator of equality. There are many areas that need to be fixed from top to bottom. Whether it is the idea of investing in a much higher academic program or creating more jobs, facilitating small business ownerships, the main issue remains corruption. As we know, corruption overall halts progress on many level but is worse within the government as it affect the lives of innocent people. As long as there are greedy people in power using money that is meant for public use for personal gain, the subject of inequality will remain. It is of no good or use to educate people just for them to end up unemployed and maybe in huge debts. In the same token, education is extremely important as the world is fast evolving with technology. There is no point of going to school, graduating and not being able to get a job at all solely based on your degree. So in my opinion, the reduction of corruption within the political system will greatly and positively impact everything else. As you mentioned in the main post, poverty/income inequality/education etc., are issues in our society today that need to be adressed and I would agree with you that they are not as simple as they may seem.
Your opinion that many of Latin Americas problems stemming from a lack of education is interesting. I’m a bit confused however on what your opinion is of how they can reverse this problem. You said that they need to invest in education, which may be true, but in what ways specifically? I agree that education needs support to be able to make any progress in Latin America, as we’ve seen how far reforms with no support get before failing, but what form would this support take.
I agree that poor economic development is closely tied with persistent levels of poverty. I also agree that there isn’t an easy solution to improving the conditions of poverty and inequality in Latin America, and that it is a very pressing issue.