Theme Two
Inequality of Opportunity
Family structure and the social norms behind family formation are changing rapidly in the region. Despite rapid demographic and cultural changes, significant gender, ethnic and race gaps remain. While the gender gap has narrowed with the reduction of income inequality, ethnic and race gaps have remained stubbornly high. Communities beyond the nuclear family also play a key role in the establishment of social norms and in shaping opportunities more generally.
The second theme regards inequality of opportunities, analysing the role of the family and community in shaping inequality for the next generation. It will also investigate the determinants of gender, ethnic, race gaps. Finally, we will explore the role of communities and how social norms and culture interact with institutions to generate inequality of opportunities.
Key questions:
- To what extent is income inequality reflected in early childhood development?
- How persistent is socioeconomic advantage across generations?
- Do ethnicity, race, and skin color predict educational inequalities?
- How have gender inequalities in education and work spheres evolved?
- Do family formation and matching among individuals accentuate inequality?
- Is income inequality associated with imbalances in the spatial distribution of public goods and infrastructure allocation?
Panel Members

Sonya Krutikova
Institute for Fiscal Studies

François Bourguignon
Paris School of Economics

Florencia Torche
Stanford University

Raquel Fernandez
New York University

Ana María Ibáñez
Inter-American Development Bank

Francisco H. G. Ferreira
London School of Economics and Political Science