Hernan Ltchaleco: Latin America between poverty and inequality

Latin America experiences the world-wide most unequal distribution of income, according to the last issue of the annual report of the CEPAL (Economical Committee for Latin America and the Caribou), depending on the United Nations. The majority of its countries registered a reduction in the income share of the poorest groups during the last decade, according to the paper. Notwithstanding, the richest groups have faced a considerable increase on their earning by the same lapse of time. Furthermore, official statistics are showing a scenario where the 10 percent wealthiest homes collect resources on or over 20 times higher than the 40 percent of the poorest families.

When asked on this issue, Mr. Atilio Boron, Executive Secretary of the Latin America council for Social Sciences said recently that "Fragmented and heterogeneous societies, criss-crossed by deep inequalities, are the main legacy of fifteen years of neoliberal hegemony in the region."

In despite of the regional economical growth recorded, this is an ongoing situation that now claims for a better distribution of earnings among Latin American societies.

Hernan Etchaleco PRAVDA.Ru Argentina