The perception of social inequality in Guatemala. An analysis of public opinion and election platforms

Abstract

Internationally, the high and persistent level of social inequality is considered to be one of the main challenges for Guatemala. But analyses of the perception of social inequality within Guatemala are lacking. Therefore, the author of this article examines, firstly, the public opinion (as expressed in the Latinobarómetro 2009 survey) on social inequality and the factors that shape it, with special attention to members of disadvantaged groups in society. The article shows that a majority of the Guatemalan electorate is aware of and criticizes social inequality in their country. But Guatemalans consider the phenomenon by far less important than the lack of public security. Furthermore, it turns out that there is obviously no group of society especially unsatisfied with the social situation. Thus, the issue of social inequality does not found a constituency. These two matters of fact make it easier for politicians to ignore or neglect the topic. This assumption is confirmed by the analysis of the election platforms of three of the 2011 presidential election candidates. Only the indigenous, female candidate attributes importance to social inequality in her manifesto. Additionally, the election platforms draw almost no connection between social inequality and the lack of public security.