• https://publications.iadb.org/es/pulso-social-en-america-latina-y-el-caribe-2017-legado-familiar-rompemos-el-molde-o-repetimos

Robles, Marcos (2018). Data associated with: Social Pulse in Latin America and the Caribbean 2017. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/6s3snfl5

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What does this dataset measure?

The dataset compiles key social indicators on poverty, income, demographics, health, and education, offering a comprehensive picture of inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Which countries are included?

It covers 22 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, enabling cross-country comparisons of poverty, health, and education indicators.

Does the dataset include infant and child mortality data?

Yes. The infancy section includes indicators such as the Chile infant mortality rate and broader measures of Latin American child mortality, allowing for detailed country-level analysis.

Are education indicators available?

Yes. The childhood section contains enrollment data, attendance, and test scores, enabling tracking of progress in Latin American school attainment and identifying persistent gaps.

How does the dataset capture inequality in Latin America?

By combining household survey data with indicators on income distribution, labor, and access to services, the dataset highlights multiple dimensions of inequality in Latin America.

What years are covered in this dataset?

The data spans from 1999 to 2016, providing nearly two decades of comparable statistics for the region.

What is the source of this data?

The dataset is based on harmonized microdata from national household surveys, ensuring consistency and comparability across countries.

How can researchers and policymakers use this dataset?

It can be used to evaluate social progress, track demographic and education trends, and design policies that reduce inequality and improve living conditions.

What are the primary drivers of wealth inequality in Latin America?

Household survey data show that inequality stems from disparities in labor income, unequal access to education, and the persistence of informal employment. Structural barriers such as limited social mobility and unequal land distribution reinforce these gaps.

: What are the recent trends in Latin American income distribution and Gini coefficients?

Between 2002 and 2016, the regional Gini coefficient declined from 0.55 to 0.49, reflecting modest improvements in income distribution. However, progress slowed after 2014, with reductions in inequality stalling in several countries.

Why does Latin America remain the most unequal region in the world?

Despite poverty reduction, inequality persists due to high informality, regressive tax systems, and limited redistribution. The dataset highlights strong intergenerational transmission of disadvantage, especially in education and labor markets.

How do regressive tax systems exacerbate poverty in Latin America?

Survey data indicate that consumption taxes disproportionately burden low-income households, reducing disposable income and limiting poverty alleviation. Progressive income taxation remains underutilized in the region.

What are the different economic models and outcomes of inequality in Brazil vs Chile?

Brazil’s inequality reduction was driven by labor income growth and social transfers, while Chile’s improvements were linked to the expansion of education. Both countries saw Gini coefficients decline, but Chile maintains lower inequality than Brazil.

Are there gender-based wage gaps and labor market inequality in Latin America?

Data show that women earn, on average, 17–25% less than men, even after controlling for education. Female labor force participation remains lower, reinforcing household-level inequality.

What is the status of educational inequality and its impact on social mobility for Latin American youth?

The dataset highlights stark differences in attainment: youth from the poorest quintile average 6 years of schooling, compared to 12 years for the richest quintile. This gap limits upward mobility and perpetuates inequality.

What is the average level of education completed in Latin America?

Adults in the region average 8.3 years of schooling, with significant variation across countries. Uruguay and Chile report higher attainment, while Guatemala and Honduras remain below the regional average.

Why do students in Latin America drop out of secondary school?

Household survey data points to economic pressures, early entry into the labor market, and limited access to quality schools as key drivers of dropout rates.

What is the average of Latin America school attainment vs OECD?

The region lags behind OECD countries: average years of schooling are 3–4 years lower, and secondary completion rates remain significantly below OECD benchmarks.

What are the gender differences in educational attainment across Latin American countries?

Women now complete slightly more years of schooling than men on average, but gender gaps persist in tertiary education enrollment and STEM fields.

What is the difference between rural and urban education gaps in Latin American school systems?

Rural students average 2–3 fewer years of schooling than urban peers. Access to secondary education is particularly limited in rural areas, reinforcing inequality.

What are the secondary school graduation rates in the LATAM region by country?

Uruguay and Chile report graduation rates above 80%, while Guatemala and Honduras remain below 50%, highlighting stark national disparities.

What is the current child (under-5) mortality rate in Latin America and the Caribbean?

As of 2016, the regional under-5 mortality rate averaged 18 deaths per 1,000 live births, with Haiti and Bolivia reporting the highest rates, and Chile and Costa Rica among the lowest.

What are the leading causes of child mortality in Latin American countries?

Household survey data links child mortality primarily to neonatal complications, pneumonia, diarrhea, and malnutrition. These causes account for the majority of under-5 deaths.

What are the urban vs rural child mortality statistics in Latin American nations?

Rural areas consistently show higher mortality rates, often double those of urban centers, due to limited access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.

How does income inequality affect child survival rates in Latin America?

Children in the poorest quintile face mortality rates up to three times higher than those in the richest quintile, underscoring the link between inequality and survival outcomes.

What were the Latin American countries with the lowest child mortality rates in 2016?

Chile, Costa Rica, and Uruguay reported the lowest under-5 mortality rates, each below 10 deaths per 1,000 live births.