Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 11/2009

Vulnerability and Resilience of the Middle Class in Latin America

Alberto Minujin, Guillermina Comas

February 2009

The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs

Abstract

This paper analyzes the vulnerability of the middle class in Latin America in face of the neo-liberal policies implemented in the region during recent decades and discusses possible policies and programs that promote the building and strengthening of democratic processes throughout the region. Changes in the Latin American middle class are examined. An important part of the middle class can be active participants in the process of building democracy and developing inclusive and equitable societies. This will require the implementation of policies and programs that promote the participation of the middle class in the public sphere.