For every dollar spent on children aged 0 to 5, three dollars is spent on children aged 6 to 12 in Latin America and the Caribbean. That is one of the unsettling findings of The Early Years: Child Well-Being and the Role of Public Policy, edited by Samuel Berlinski and Norbert Schady. This 2015 edition of the IDB’s flagship publication, Development in the Americas, was unveiled … [Read more...] about Little Money for Little Kids
Five Reasons Why Government Should Be Involved in Raising Kids
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
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
Explaining Changes in Tax Burdens in Latin America
Most Latin American countries have more than enough infrastructure needs and social service demands to justify raising taxes. Still, on average, tax revenues in Latin America are below their potential. Fiscal woes are not unique to the region. The U.S. is also in need of major infrastructure and social investments and the discussion has focused on cutting rather than raising … [Read more...] about Explaining Changes in Tax Burdens in Latin America