Latin Americans’ confidence in democracy grows during tough economic times, report finds

The Miami Consortium for Latin American and Caribbean Studies will present the findings of the 2010 AmericasBarometer: Report on the Americas at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 28, at the University of Miami Robert and Judy Prokop Newman Alumni Center. The Miami Consortium is a collaboration between FIU’s Latin American and Caribbean Center and UM’s Center for Latin American Studies.

Titled “Economic Crisis and Marginalization in the Americas,” this year’s report addresses key issues facing Latin Americans, including the impact of the global economic crisis on their lives and democratic values in the Americas.

The survey concludes the economic crisis was relatively mild in most of Latin America during 2010. However, the impact of the crisis was not evenly distributed by ethnicity, class and gender. Respondents with darker skin tones, low household wealth and women were most affected by it.

The results also show those citizens who believe the national government is doing a good job reported stronger democratic values. In other words, during difficult times good government and strong leadership promote confidence in democracy and other ideals.

The AmericasBarometer report, one of the most expansive regional survey projects in the Western Hemisphere, is carried out every two years in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean. It is issued by the Latin American Public Opinion Project at Vanderbilt University. The 2010 report surveyed nearly 44,000 citizens in 26 countries including the United States, Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, call 305-284-1854.