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The Middle Class in Less Developed American Nations

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  • Steven Pressman

Abstract

This study uses the Luxembourg Income Study to examine the size of the middle class across several less developed American nations. One main finding is that in the mid 2000s the size of the middle class in Latin America does not seem to depend on demographic factors. A second finding is that, in contrast to most developed nations, government tax and spending policies do little to increase the size of the middle class in less developed America. Finally, as in the developed world, labor market factors do not have much impact the size of the middle class in Latin America. The main exceptions here seem to be Brazil and Mexico, where employment appears to increase the size of the middle class.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven Pressman, 2011. "The Middle Class in Less Developed American Nations," LIS Working papers 557, LIS Cross-National Data Center in Luxembourg.
    • Handle: RePEc:lis:liswps:557
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