The gap between designing policies on paper and putting them in practice can be wide. So can the difference between the formal structure of power in a government and the way decisions are actually shaped. Latin America offers plenty of examples showing that what matters are not so much the technical aspects but the incentives, restrictions, and rules that politicians, civil … [Read more...] about Too Much of a Good Thing? Grassroots Participation in Bolivian Social Policy
Social Issues
Teachers Matter
By: Yyannu Cruz Today, October 5, more than 100 nations are celebrating World Teachers' Day, honoring skilled teachers for the role they play in building strong minds and prosperous societies. The Inter-American Development Bank joins in that tribute. It applauds the many fine educators that work in Latin America and the Caribbean, commends their commitment and … [Read more...] about Teachers Matter
The Effect of Violence on Intangible Outcomes
Sleeping with the Enemy Violence has a striking gender pattern. Men are more likely to be attacked by a stranger, while women are "sleeping with the enemy" experiencing violence mostly from their husbands, intimate partners or close relatives. Latin American countries have been aware of this situation for at least a decade. In 1994, Latin American countries signed … [Read more...] about The Effect of Violence on Intangible Outcomes
Fuerza Chile
Once again Chile has been hit by a natural disaster. A powerful earthquake measuring 8,4 on the Richter scale has caused panic, material losses, and irreparable loss of life among the Chilean population. It would seem, however, that so far the death toll and material losses have been relatively low considering the magnitude and duration of the quake. This is not by … [Read more...] about Fuerza Chile
School and Day Care: Working Mothers’ Best Friends
By Daniela Del Boca The school year that just began in some parts of Latin America and the United States completely changes the routine of mothers, who sometimes have to perform a juggling act to accommodate new schedules and activities on the family calendar. But the beginning of classes also makes the life of working mothers easier now that children are in school most of … [Read more...] about School and Day Care: Working Mothers’ Best Friends