Summary

The social situation in Latin America in the late 1990s was influenced by the slowdown and greater volatility of economic growth. Despite the economic recovery seen in 2000, the effects of the contraction were felt in many countries of the region. Thus, although progress was made in improving the Latin American population's living conditions and major strides were taken in terms of increasing and safeguarding public social expenditure (particularly during the first half of the decade), the number of poor people has grown. This phenomenon has been compounded by the persistent inequality of income distribution in the region and by the performance of the labour market, which has generally been unable to absorb the labour force into the formal economy. The result has been increasing informality and unemployment, which has in turn been exacerbated by the recent economic slowdown.

Sustainable Development Goals:

Gender Equality

Reduced Inequalities

Sustainable Cities and Communities