"Population and Development in Latin America: Emerging Trends"
David Kyle University of California, Davis - April 20, 1998
Since Mexico is generally well covered by local scholars and reporters given California's close historical ties, and since as a member of NAFTA is unique among other Latin American countries, this presentation focuses on Central and South America; as a whole, it is a diverse area undergoing rapid demographic and economic change. Due to a high birth rate and a falling death rate, Latin America overtook the US in population around the middle of the twentieth century; by the year 2,010, Latin Americans will outnumber Anglo-Americans two to one. There are three primary features that distinguish Latin America from the rest of the world:
- a wide divergence in population growth and concentration among countries and sub-national regions;
- an enormous difference between urban and rural life, with rapid urbanization; and
- a very young population with the majority under 22 years of age and a few elderly.
In the 1990s, Latin American countries are still recovering from the "Lost Decade" of the 1980s, so-called because of the enormous debt crisis experienced throughout the region. While economic restructuring and a trend toward overtly democratic governments has placed many Latin American countries back in good standing among international investors and multi-lateral agencies, most countries are still incapable of offering sustained economic growth and the distribution of benefits among all sectors of society. Thus, many of Latin America's young adults who grew up in a period of rising expectations continue to look outside their home communities and countries for work. However, unlike traditional stereotypes of international immigration, many migration flows have two features:
- They are translational, with migrants taking advantage of opportunities in both sending and receiving locations simultaneously; and
- Given increased US border controls, many across Latin America are turning to professional "migration merchants" to facilitate clandestine migration.
Both of these features have consequences for Latin America and the United States. These emerging trends are further illustrated with the case of Ecuador.
from David Kyle Lecture notes - Latin America:
Since 1940's death rate has been rapidly falling. In some countries, no corresponding drop in birth rate.
Population in 1995: Latin America: 475 million ... North America: 295 million. In 1990, Latin America had 9% of the world's population.
Many clergy may stress family planning in urban areas.
55% world average 41% Latin America 58% Costa Rica 66% Brazil 53% Mexico 7% Haiti
Immigration patterns: Immigrants come from areas where there has been US military or economic development. Many times there is actual recruitment. Also, US involvement helps to establish networks.