The Standard of Living in Latin America During the Twentieth Century

Pablo Astorga, Ame E. Bergés and Valpy Fitzgerald
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Pablo Astorga: Latin American Centre, St Antony’s College, Oxford OX2 6JF
Ame E. Bergés: Latin American Centre, St Antony’s College, Oxford OX2 6JF
Valpy Fitzgerald: Latin American Centre, St Antony’s College, Oxford OX2 6JF

No _054, Oxford University Economic and Social History Series from Economics Group, Nuffield College, University of Oxford

Abstract: Assessing the economic development of Latin America during the twentieth century requires reliable estimates of living standards as measured by per capita income, life expectancy, and literacy. New comparable series for Latin America suggest that these three indicators made the greatest strides during the period from 1940 to 1980. This progress is probably related to state-led industrialisation, improvements in public health, and urbanisation. Comparison with US levels reveals that while average per capita income has generally remained steady, relative living standards (measured by a composite welfare index) have risen gradually as life expectancy in the two regions has converged.

Keywords: Economic History; Welfare and Poverty; Demography; Education; Income and Wealth (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I31 N36 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his
Date: 2004-03-01
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