Latin America Discussion Questions

Front 1

What were the main tenants of the ISI?

Back 1

Import substitution industrialization. The Latin American region cut themselves off from many imports in an effort to become self-sufficient with substitutes that could be made within the region. The country keeps the currency intentionally undervalued to discourage foreign investment. This was adopted in Latin America in the 30s and 40s because of the Great Depression in the U.S. Most economists agree that ISI failed in Latin America, and it ultimately led to the Lost Decade.

Front 2

What were the two assumptions upon which ISI was based?

Back 2

As the demand for skilled labor could grow only with additional capital investment, the capital-intensive sector was too small to create quality jobs for the growing population.

Whereas Latin American's export-oriented enclaves would continue to demand modern, mostly imported goods, the reciprocal demand in developed countries for primary commodities exported from Latin America would be likely to decline over time, as technology developed substitutes. This would cause Latin American currencies to depreciate, or would increase trade deficits. The Latin America would have to work harder to maintain the status quo.

Front 3

When was the Lost Decade? What caused it?

Back 3

The Lost Decade was a period of economic crisis in Latin America in the 1970s and 1980s. The Lost Decade was brought about after most Latin American governments implemented ISI. Other causes of it may have included two oil crises in the early 70s, a reduced supply of US dollars in the international market that pushed interest rates up on debt agreements, etc. Latin America found itself irrevesibly in debt and many people found themselves in deep poverty.

Front 4

What is neoliberalism? How was it supposed to fix the problems of the Lost Decade?

Back 4

Neoliberalism occurred in the early 1990s after "economic nationalism." It is an economic policy in which tariffs come down, exports were promoted, foreign investors were invited to bid on state enterprises put up for auction, and customs unions and free-trade agreements.
Neoliberals argue that a government should not do the following: intervene on behalf of one industry at the expense of another, choke off economic enterprise with a maze of regulations, and penalize economic success with taxes allegedly raised for redistribution to the poor (had been corrupt in the past).

Front 5

How have Latin Americans used literature to create and reinforce their identity?

Back 5

Historically, Latin America’s history has been recounted by the most dominant force, i.e. the Europeans. Literature was a way for the smaller groups to express themselves, i.e. the indigenous people who were often repressed by the Europeans. Literature gave them a voice. Their stories show their values, beliefs and aspirations.

Front 6

What are the characteristics of magic realism? When was it popular?

Back 6

Magic realism is exaggerated non-fiction that is too bizarre to be fiction. It fuses psychological reactions with external occurrences. It was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. The term was initially coined by Franz Roh, a German artist. Magic realism was first found in literature, and later in visual art. One of the most notable artists who used magic realism was Frida Kahlo. The explosive popularity of magic realism led to international appreciation for Latin American literature.

Front 7

What literary developments have occurred after "the Boom"?

Back 7

Historical novels are now more popular, and they challenge other historical writings, especially from the colonial era. Historical works have showed a changing perspective - from Europeans to indigenous people. Women authors are now more popular (ex. Isabel Allende, "The House of Spirits"). There has also been a large emphasis on the multicultural nature of Latin America.

Front 8

Where have literacy campaigns taken place? What were their effects?

Back 8

Previously it was seen as a social “service” rather than a necessity for economic development. In the 1950s, that view began to change when scientists and politicians realized that well-education children were needed to empower the region in the future. Increased government expenditure on education.
In the 1980s, literacy programs were developed, most notably in Cuba and Nicaragua, where extended literacy occurred despite political problems. By 1989, the literacy rate in Cuba was 97 percent under Fidel Castro. Nicaragua’s illiteracy rate was reduced from 50 percent to 25 percent despite social and economic turmoil from the revolution.
Ultimately, these campaigns did not have a lasting effect because of the political turmoil continuing around them.

Front 9

Who have been the traditional beneficiaries of education in Latin America?

Back 9

The children of the wealthy and powerful, and usually only the boys.

Front 10

What have been the challenges to education in the region?

Back 10

Money and economic hardship, low teacher salary, poor supplies, short school years, high absenteeism during agricultural periods.

Front 11

What problems do a weak educational system create?

Back 11

No economic advancement, increased debt, national development on hold. Education contributes to industrialization and technological development of a society. Education teaches values and attitudes that would modernize a society.

Front 12

What problems does the author identify in Chapter 14: Trends and Prospects? What possible solutions does he propose for them?

Back 12

There’s an uneasy transition between modern and tradition. Politicians must be responsive to change, poverty, inequality, dependency and rapid transition. Struggle between development and preservation of natural resources. Change in military, which was traditionally authoritarian but is now changing. More towards promoting democracy, but still unclear. Politicians have to be able to promote neoliberalism so that the region can retrieve itself from debt. Getting rid of corrupt politicians. A more open economy and freer trade.

Front 13

What is history’s role in determining L.A.’s future?

Back 13

Problems like debt, low investor confidence, capital flight, hyperinflation and a devastating rate of unemployment have deterred Latin America from making progress. Historically, Latin America has had a lot of corrupt authority figures. Hopefully a more open economy and free trade will help to resolve that. Lots of recent development – has led to pollution.