ECLAC Report: Time for Equality: Closing Gaps, Opening Trails


Posted on 12-18-2010	Translate this page

"The analysis presented in this document wholly adheres to the idea that social equality and the kind of economic dynamism that transform production patterns are not at odds with each other and that the challenge is to find synergies between the two. The proposal made here is headed in this direction and leads to the next point: when we speak of equality we do so in the awareness that we must grow to equalize and equalize to grow. At no point, therefore, do we suggest that we should sacrifice the value of dynamic economic and productive growth on the altar of equality. In strategic terms and in the long term, equality, economic growth and environmental sustainability must go hand in hand, mutually supporting and reinforcing one another in a virtuous dialectic.

We therefore propose growth with less structural heterogeneity and more productive development, and the pursuit of equality through the enhancement of human capacities and the mobilization of State energies. We want to reverse the huge disparities in the region by building more cohesive societies around productive dynamics, constructing positive social and territorial synergies, and strengthening the protection of individuals through improvements in labor markets, stronger financial capacities and better public administration. Just as the idea of equality entails addressing social vulnerabilities, we believe that a macroeconomic framework that protects people against external volatility will play a key role. This goal will not be reached automatically and requires effective policies on several fronts as well as more and better markets. If you have to level the playing field, it must be done by raising average and aggregate productivity and income."

- From the Foreword by Alicia Bárcena, Executive Director
United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

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