Description:
This volume explores the multifaceted nature of inequality in Jamaica and other Latin American and Caribbean countries, offering nuanced solutions to address the persistently high inequality in the Global South.
Review Quotes:
This is a timely study given the persistent high levels of inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); while a large body of research exists on inequality in Latin America, the Caribbean has been relatively neglected. This is especially true of Jamaica, on which the book focusses, a country with historically and persistent high inequality. The early chapters will be of most interest to general readers. Williams, Benfield and Leslie set the context and show how remittances can reduce the growth-reducing effects of inequality in LAC countries; Joseph and Bollers review the historical determinants of inequality in LAC; while Smith and Williams demonstrate the gradual reduction of inequality in Jamaica since 2000. The remaining chapters focus on initiatives to reduce inequality in the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, including national service schemes as community work programmes, social protection and justice to reduce child poverty, and harnessing digital and AI technology to promote inclusion. The book contributes to addressing inequality in the Caribbean.
--Oliver Morrissey, Professor of Development Economics, University of Nottingham and Managing Editor of The Journal of Development Studies