Inequality in Latin America has increased during the pandemic. That is our conclusion in a forthcoming study in which we noted that 2020 saw a reverse in the trend toward poverty reduction and greater equality that started 20 years ago. The study is based on data generated through employment and household surveys conducted over the past three decades. For 2020, information … [Read more...] about The Pandemic Is Increasing Inequality in Latin America
Giulia Lotti
Giulia Lotti is an economist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and research associate at CAGE Warwick. She previously worked on labor markets of the Andean region for the IDB and as a consultant for the World Bank. Her research interests include applied microeconomics, labor economics and international finance. Giulia holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Warwick and a Master of Science in Economics from University College London (UCL).
A crisis like no other: Why informal work did not spike under COVID-19
Before Peru was struck by COVID-19, Diana Quispe* was a part-time hairdresser based in the outskirts of Lima, who served customers in their homes in one of the city’s wealthier districts. She was an informal sector worker, like almost 80% of workers in Peru and over 50% across Latin America, with no health insurance or paid sick leave. But when the government announced … [Read more...] about A crisis like no other: Why informal work did not spike under COVID-19
Empowering mothers while enhancing early childhood development
In developing countries, empowering women and enhancing early childhood development are often pursued as separate policy initiatives. This is partly because female empowerment and child development can be perceived as potentially at odds with each other, as some believe a greater participation of women in the labor force stands in the way of child development, since children … [Read more...] about Empowering mothers while enhancing early childhood development
Are multilateral banks really supporting countries in times of need?
Does it happen to you that you carry an umbrella almost always in case it rains, and never need to use it except -of course- when it’s raining, and it’s precisely then that you realize that you forgot it? Isn’t it the case on any given day walking outside, that we are willing to pay more for an umbrella when it is pouring than when it is sunny? The umbrella is a device that … [Read more...] about Are multilateral banks really supporting countries in times of need?
Are temporary contracts harming productivity in Colombia?
Did you know that job contracts can affect a country’s GDP? It makes sense. Employment contracts have an impact on employee performance. If, as an employee, you have no intention of staying at your job for the long term, your lack of commitment will likely reduce your firm’s productivity, which in turn can reflect negatively on your country’s productivity and its GDP. Temporary … [Read more...] about Are temporary contracts harming productivity in Colombia?