Dissertation
THE PINK TIDE AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN SOUTH AMERICA: A COMPARATIVE MIXED METHODS ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC AND GENDER EQUALITY POLICY IN BOLIVIA, CHILE, PERU AND COLOMBIA
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
01/2019
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/118445
Abstract
Does the political left approach issues of inequality differently to the right? My research investigates how successful the “pink tide” in South America was at effecting social and economic change through an examination of the causes and consequences of a region-wide shift in the political landscape of South America over the past two decades. Did widespread changes in the political ideology of regimes across the continent make a substantive difference to the people where it took place, and how can we evaluate that variation if so? I examine the rise of left-wing regimes in the context of neoliberal economic policies that were experienced across the developing world, and the extent to which those administrations governing from the left acted to improve the economic situation of those living in poverty. This macro level data on economic inequality provides the background to then examine the degree to which left-wing governments addressed issues of women’s inequality, measured through the policies and actions around women’s political representation, and actions to deal with violence against women. I then examine in detail the provision of sexual health and reproductive healthcare services, specifically around abortion and emergency contraception. The results from Bolivia, Chile, and Peru are compared to those in Colombia, which over the period in question elected only conservative presidents. I argue that firstly, the left did make a measurable, positive difference to levels of economic inequality, and that secondly, gender inequality has an increased likelihood of being reduced under leftist regimes, while reproductive rights are more likely to be enhanced. These findings have important implications for democratic consolidation in the region.
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Details
- Title
- THE PINK TIDE AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN SOUTH AMERICA: A COMPARATIVE MIXED METHODS ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC AND GENDER EQUALITY POLICY IN BOLIVIA, CHILE, PERU AND COLOMBIA
- Creators
- Richard Elgar
- Contributors
- Amy G Mazur (Advisor)Travis N Ridout (Committee Member)Cornell W Clayton (Committee Member)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Washington State University
- Number of pages
- 329
- Identifiers
- 99900581707601842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Dissertation