Economic and social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean is a deep and persistent problem. Despite progress being made in certain economic indicators, the region remains the most unequal in the world. According to the report Desigualdad S.A. published by Oxfam earlier this year, the wealth of the three richest individuals in Latin America has increased by 70% since 2020, while the poorest half of the population has become even poorer.
In comparison, OECD countries—which include many of the world’s most advanced economies—exhibit a more equitable income distribution. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) estimate that in these countries, the richest 10% have incomes four times higher than the poorest 10%, in contrast to an average of twelve times in Latin American countries.
The gap is huge and is aggravated by the lack of social mobility. Unlike Europe and North America—where there are greater opportunities for individuals from low-income families to improve their economic situation through education and employment—in Latin America and the Caribbean, structural barriers are much harder to overcome. Factors such as a poor public education, widespread labor informality and corruption severely limit the possibilities for progress.
Against this bleak backdrop, a potentially key player in reducing inequality emerges: the socially responsible company (SRC). These companies not only pursue economic profitability but also prioritize the social and environmental impacts of their operations. Recently, SRCs, also known as sustainable companies, have garnered significant attention as more businesses in the region align their growth strategies with sustainable development goals and adopt more ethical practices around decent work, as highlighted by a study from the International Labor Organization.
A strategy that can generate benefits
This is explained because corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not just an ethical ideal but also a business strategy that can generate tangible social, material, and financial benefits. Social benefits include improving the company’s reputation, increasing employee satisfaction and community engagement, among others. Material and financial benefits include increased efficiency, greater competitiveness, access to new markets and capital earmarked for sustainability.
SRCs can help reduce inequality through several means, including offering quality jobs with fair wages and adequate benefits, which is essential in a region plagued by informality and job insecurity. Additionally, these companies can invest in local communities by enhancing infrastructure and basic services such as education and healthcare. Moreover, by adopting sustainable practices, SRCs can protect the environment, ensuring the availability of natural resources for future generations.
However, the reality is complex, and not all socially responsible initiatives are created equal or achieve their full transformative potential. While SRCs can be a positive influence, they are not a complete solution to the significant issue of inequality. Effective implementation of CSR practices demands a genuine commitment from companies rather than merely serving as a public relations tactic. Furthermore, the impact of CSR is constrained by the scope and size of each company and individual initiatives, though valuable, cannot by themselves address the structural problems that perpetuate inequality.
Therefore, SRCs play an important role in mitigating inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean, but they are insufficient on their own to solve this deeply rooted problem. Notable examples of companies implementing sustainable or socially responsible strategies include the Mexican baker group Bimbo, which implements programs to improve the education and well-being of its employees and their families and policies to integrate people with disabilities into its workforce.
Another example is the Brazilian cosmetics multinational Natura & Co, which has made significant investments in the conservation of the Amazon and in supporting local communities. Each year, the IDB publishes a corporate sustainability index that highlights the 100 most sustainable companies operating in the region. Among these are multinationals like the German clothing and footwear company Adidas, the American consumer products multinational Colgate-Palmolive, and multilatinas such as the Mexican cement company Cemex and the Colombian food conglomerate Nutresa.
These successful examples should not overshadow the fact that companies operate within a regulatory and economic framework that also needs to evolve to help reduce inequality. Oxfam´s report reiterates that governments play a crucial role in crafting policies that promote economic and social justice, such as progressive tax systems, investments in education and public health, and the enforcement of labor laws that protect workers’ rights.
Civil society must also remain vigilant and active, pressuring both companies and governments to fulfill their responsibilities. Collaboration between the private sector, the public sector and civil society is essential to create an environment where equal opportunities are a reality for all citizens.
Although socially responsible companies can and should contribute to addressing inequality in Latin America, their impact will be constrained without sufficient regulatory support from governments. The fight against inequality is a complex challenge that demands a comprehensive approach, with active and coordinated participation from stakeholders and social actors. Only through collective and sustained efforts can we hope to achieve a more just and equitable region.
Autor
Economist. Deputy Director of research of markets and sustainable investments at Dow Jones. Post-graduate degree in Economics and International Business from the Faculty of Economics of the Hochschule Schmalkalden (Germany).
