PERPLEXITY
Some sources suggest that inequality can exacerbate social divisions and slow down economic and social progress
1. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the tremendous inequality in many regions, including Latin America, and has contributed to worsening the problem23. Inequality is almost a hallmark of Latin America, affecting not only poor families but also the middle class, who have lower incomes, health, and pensions than the richest4. Inequality can also affect education, with access to schools linked to students’ social and cultural background, language, and whether they work outside the home5. While there is no clear answer to whether inequality always leads to conflict, it is clear that inequality can have negative effects on society and individuals.