Racial inequality in Latin America

Abstract

This study examines socioeconomic inequality in Latin America through the lens of race and ethnicity. Its primary source is census data, but it also draws on national survey data from the Latin American Public Opinion Project. Unlike national censuses, the Latin American Public Opinion Project uses more consistent measures of ethno-racial composition across countries and includes a unique interviewer-rated measure of skin color. The study finds that individuals with darker skin, as well as Black and indigenous populations, experience educational, income and occupational disadvantages, even when controlling for social origin. Nonetheless, the degree of inequality and the hierarchical order of Afro-descendants, indigenous peoples, mestizos, Whites and others varies across countries. Finally, the study explores possible policy solutions to address ethnoracial disadvantage, highlighting Brazil’s targeted anti-racism policies, the region’s most extensive case.