Latin American is well known for having some of the highest rates of income and
wealth inequality in the world. In particular, Brazil is often ranked as one of the most
unequal Latin American countries according to several measures of inequality. Mexico
is another Latin American example of prominent inequality. Brazil and Mexico have
both embarked on ambitious trade liberalization programs over the last twenty years.
At the same time, both countries have expanded income transfer programs (including
conditional cash transfer programs). Globalization and government policy are at the
center of the current debate about the forces that contribute to inequality.