In recent years, advocates of limited government in both the developed and developing worlds have gained significant traction, arguing that large bureaucracies feed inefficiency and corruption, stifle initiative, and interfere with personal privacy. Yet, there is at least one area (likely more), in which that passion for limited government may well be misplaced: the need to … [Read more...] about Five Reasons Why Government Should Be Involved in Raising Kids
Social Issues
Too Much of a Good Thing? Grassroots Participation in Bolivian Social Policy
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
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