Development of The Latin American Economy, Culture and Politics

Development of The Latin American Economy, Culture and Politics || Affordable Assignment Writing Services 

How does one explain the diversity of development models attempted in Latin America?

Discuss the complicated relationship between culture and politics over time in Latin America. Does culture or politics tend to lead the other? Why?

Why do the arts play a greater role in politics in Latin America than in the U.S., or do they?  How does the U.S. media affect culture in Latin America today?

Please answer it as a discussion question and answer and also the answer should be two-three paragraphs. 

Development of The Latin American Economy, Culture and Politics

How does one explain the diversity of development models attempted in Latin America?

Since the nineteenth century, Latin America has adopted a variety of frameworks with the aim of achieving economic growth and development across the region. A number of development models founded on certain key theories were formulated and incorporated into society to promote change and modernization. These models worked differently and employed various modes of attaining economic autonomy in the sub-regions. They also had different limitations that hindered the realization of this goal. (J. Alvaro Calix, 2017)

The Primary Export Model of development which was incorporated between 1870 and 1910 used the classic economic theory. It involved the export of raw materials such as minerals and agricultural products into the international market. This led to the growth of the region’s GDP but did very little in contributing to the overall development of Latin America. The model was also disadvantageous in the sense that it made the region’s economy vulnerable since economic growth was dependent on the surplus of raw materials that were in high demand.

The Import Substitution Industrialization Model (ISIM) was incorporated between 1950 and 1970 and was based on the structural theory. It focused on domestic industrialization and did away with the importation of products from developed countries. The state was in total control of the economy and labor force. This model was able to achieve the highest level of economic growth through increased productivity and diversity of locally made goods. It also led to the modernization of Latin America. However, it presented limitations such as an unequal level of development among the countries. Global oil prices and the liquidity crisis negatively impacted this framework in the late 1960s and led to its downfall. The Neoclassicaldevelopment model adopted in the 1970s favored the development of free markets with minimal interference from the government. The model facilitated the generation of more capital and promote foreign investments and trade. This consequently reduced inflation and led to economic growth. The Post-Neoliberal Model was finally adopted in the recent decade to emphasize capitalism and boost development.

Discuss the complicated relationship between culture and politics over time in Latin America. Does culture or politics tend to lead the other? Why?

Culture and politics are key aspects in every society and tend to be interconnected. Culture undoubtedly influences politics. The culture in Latin America is unfavorable for the development of a democratic system of government since most people believe in an authoritarian mode of leadership which has been practiced in the past. The Latin American culture is also male chauvinistic and discouraged women from pursuing political positions in the past. This led to a lot of controversies, with countless protests rocking the region from the late 1960s to the 1980s. Later on, a number of Latin American countries implemented laws that availed more government positions to women.

The diversity of ethnic groups in the region has led to political conflict since some of the groups that consider themselves powerful tend to dominate the political scene. Culture tends to lead politics in most societies. For instance, for a politician to campaign and win a position, he or she must be able to identify the cultural needs of that particular region.

Why do the arts play a greater role in politics in Latin America than in the US? Or do they?

Latin Americans have always been at the forefront of leading political protests and social activism through art. They have had a long history of political and social unrest as compared to the United States, and as a result, many artists have been born from this. Different art forms such as music, poetry, street art, and graffiti have played a major role in championing positive change and human rights in Latin America. There is a huge gap between the rich and the poor, rampant corruption, and unequal distribution of resources in this region. All these problems have led to the use of art to bring about desirable change in society.

How does the US media affect culture in Latin America today?

Different forms of media such as television, magazines, newspapers, films, and the internet have played a role in influencing culture in both positive and negative ways. The US media is prevalent in Latin America and has contributed to reshaping the culture of the region. For instance, various forms of dressing portrayed in magazines and films have been adopted widely across the countries.

The Latin Americans have also taken up fast foods which are common in the United States. The concept of beauty has also changed in Latin America due to a lot of media influence. Most people perceive that having lighter skin and a curvy body is more attractive hence plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures have become widespread. The internet has also brought about social awareness. Minorities such as homosexuals and different ethnic groups are now coming out to fight for their rights.

References

J. Alvaro Calix R. (2017) Development Approaches in Latin America: Towards Social-Ecological Transformation, 5-12