Latin america Quote by Greg Grandin
““In Chile, everything from "kindergarten to cemeteries and community swimming pools were put out for bid." Between 1985 and 1992, over two thousand government industries were sold off throughout Latin America. Much of this property passed into the hands of either multinational corporations or Latin America's "superbillionaires," a new class that had taken advantage of the dismantling of the state to grow spectacularly rich.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of the American Dream? by Greg Grandin, 2016
The quote describes how privatization in Chile and broader Latin America transferred public assets to private hands, creating a wealthy elite and concentrating wealth.
In simple terms: Privatization shifted public assets to private owners, creating a rich elite.
Key Takeaway
Watch for concentration of power and wealth in privatization.
Themes
economics
politics
inequality
privatization
Latin America
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
historical
political
economic
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- investment decisions
- public sector management
- social impact assessment
Key Concepts
Neoliberalism
wealth concentration
state dismantling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does privatization affect ordinary citizens?
- What safeguards can prevent elite capture?
A Different Perspective
Privatization can reduce public service quality and increase inequality.
