Silvana Maubrigades
If we associate vulnerability with poverty, then Latin America undoubtedly still has a relevant vulnerable population. The first decades of the 21st century represent a turning point for inequality in the region as social indicators show inequality has decreased, although the problem is far from being solved.
Social vulnerability in the region is linked to sectors that offer precarious opportunities for insertion into the regional economy, into its formal circuit. Women continue to represent a majority within the affected groups. Added to this is the fact that the increase in jobs produced as a result of globalisation processes has not contributed to eliminate labor precariousness, nor has it increased demand for skilled labor that contributes to improvements in sustainable social equality.
Young people and children are also an important portion of this vulnerable population, which compromises long-term changes to this scenario. The region’s educational levels have improved significantly since 1950, but the region is far from reaching educational levels close to developed countries. Women have shown the better performance, but this has not been reflected in improved labor market participation.
