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COVID-19, elites and the future political economy of inequality reduction in Latin America

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  • Bull, Benedicte
  • Robles Rivera, Francisco

Abstract

The literature is divided on the impact of pandemics on income inequality. The economic literature points to an increase in inequality as a result of pandemics, whereas historical and political science literature argue that pandemics may create breakdowns of institutions, maintaining inequality due to elite shifts and pressure from below. We review current data on the impact of COVID-19 and find that there is evidence of an upward income transfer as well as some elite shifts in the region. However, elites have controlled the economic measures to alleviate and confront the crisis and there is little evidence of a resultant institutional breakdown.

Suggested Citation

  • Bull, Benedicte & Robles Rivera, Francisco, 2020. "COVID-19, elites and the future political economy of inequality reduction in Latin America," Revista CEPAL, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), December.
    • Handle: RePEc:ecr:col070:46929
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    Cited by:

    1. Hoelscher, Kristian & Garcia, Catalina G., 2024. "SMEs, violence and crisis: Stylized facts from a survey in Latin America," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 184(C).
    2. Hernández Rosario, Anna Cristina, 2022. "Regional policy brief on building urban economic resilience during and after COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean," Documentos de Proyectos 47873, Naciones Unidas Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL).

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