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The Rich Stay Rich and the Poor Stay Poor: Income Inequality in Brazil and Mexico

By Felix Ivanov

This article examines the trends of income inequality in Brazil and Mexico. This analysis is interesting because the two most populous countries in Latin America have among the lowest life expectancies in the Americas. Mexico has consistently lower levels of income inequality than Brazil, though Brazil has made some progress more recently. Nevertheless, both nations still have very high rates of income inequality. This article compares the recent trends of income inequality in two nations and examines how the actions of the governments have affected income inequality and how effective they have been at reducing it. This analysis also offers a series of solutions based on Brazil and Mexico’s failures and success at reducing income inequality, with the expressed purpose of improving health, life, living conditions, and education for those living in poverty and extreme poverty in Brazil and Mexico.

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The Weakest Members of Society: Poverty among Indigenous Populations in Peru and Guatemala

By Gianell Lopez

This article reviews the degree and evolution of poverty in Peru and Guatemala. Both countries have high percentages of their populations living in poverty, with more than half of Guatemala’s population living in poverty. Beginning with an analysis of the overall poverty rates in these countries, this article narrows down to poverty among their indigenous populations. Peru and Guatemala have significantly large indigenous populations, forming part of the top four countries in Latin America with the largest indigenous groups. This article analyzes how poverty compares among non-indigenous and indigenous populations in both countries. Furthermore, it looks at the ethics of Guatemala and Peru’s anti-poverty programs and how their poverty reduction is based on addressing the multidimensional nature of poverty.

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South American Superpowers Still Struggle: Gender Inequality in Argentina and Chile

By Aidan Thornbrough

This article examines the ongoing inequality that women in Argentina and Chile continue to face. Argentina and Chile were both formally governed by right-wing authoritarian regimes and transitioned into democratic governments in the 1980’s and 1990’s respectively. Both nations are some of South America’s largest economies in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) and they are also some of the most urbanized countries in the continent. The two nations have made great strides in the political rights and political representation of women, but unfortunately economic inequality and violence against women persists. This article utilizes various approaches of ethical decision-making to analyze the severity of gender inequality in the two nations and concludes by proposing possible solutions to the ongoing situation.

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To Trade or Not to Trade: Globalization and Trade in Indonesia and Thailand

By Ava Yap

This article examines how the growing international pressure of globalization and trade in East Asian countries, particularly Indonesia and Thailand, is affecting the development of both countries. While it is evident that increased amounts of globalization are required to successfully exist as an international country, the pressure to globalize brings about concerns of Westernization, and a lack of a sense of individualism in developing countries. This article delves into the history behind globalization and trade in Indonesia and Thailand and discusses a path forward for how both countries can maintain a stable and equitable development path moving forward.

Read the full article: To Trade or Not to Trade