They have set off a surge in bike riding, sparked explosive investment, and helped cut air pollution and carbon emissions. But the "dockless" -- or stationless -- bikes that have transformed China's cities also have come with significant social and economic costs. As Latin America prepares to embrace them, it would do well to take heed. That day is coming sooner than later. … [Read more...] about China’s Dockless Biking Boom and the Lessons for Latin America
Social Issues
Financial Literacy Programs Can Benefit Both Children and Adults
To become an adult without knowing how to manage money is to risk financial instability, debt, and a meager retirement. Moreover, most evidence suggests it is extremely difficult to change the financial behavior of adults. They may not have time for financial literacy programs and, besides, may be too set in their ways. On the other hand, working with children and teenagers … [Read more...] about Financial Literacy Programs Can Benefit Both Children and Adults
Send Us Your Research Papers on Crime and Policy
The latest ranking of the world's deadliest cities continues a sad pattern: the overwhelming majority—43 out of 50—are in Latin America and the Caribbean, with Los Cabos in Mexico topping the list. Many of the reasons behind this state of affairs are chronic—weak institutions; impunity; poverty; inequality and growing urbanization—all feeding and, at the same time, … [Read more...] about Send Us Your Research Papers on Crime and Policy
How the Right to Vote Sparks Political Interest
Little more than half of the respondents captured in the latest regional survey of Chile-based Latinobarómetro thought democracy was the best form of government – a ten-year low that indicates weakness in Latin America's democracies. But does this mean citizens are losing their interest in voting, democracy's most sacred right? In a recently published study, Carlos Scartascini … [Read more...] about How the Right to Vote Sparks Political Interest
Are Female Politicians More Honest than Male Politicians?
Numerous studies show that female politicians on the whole are associated with less corruption than male ones. But Ugo Troiano and I were able to demonstrate the phenomenon with convincing evidence in a published study comparing male and female mayors in Brazil. We found that female mayors were not only less likely to engage in administrative irregularities and patronage, like … [Read more...] about Are Female Politicians More Honest than Male Politicians?