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This multidisciplinary volume explores the multifaceted nature of inequality in Jamaica and other Latin American and Caribbean countries, offering nuanced solutions to address the persistently high inequality in the Global South. With a critical focus on Jamaica given its high levels of inequality linked to crime, social discontent, and persistent poverty, the collection also considers the broader context of Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the region's heterogeneity and the unique challenges faced by different countries.
The book demonstrates that inequality is not confined to the distribution of income (which largely dominates the literature), but also affects access to technological advancement, gender justice, time allocation in the household between men and women, and human rights consideration for young people. The contributors offer evidence-based solutions to address inequality in the Global South.
By examining the intersection of various domains such as human rights, youth empowerment, technology, and gender disparity, the book provides a comprehensive understanding of how these dimensions interact and affect different demographic groups. Intersecting Inequalities in Jamaica and Beyond is essential reading for policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in understanding and addressing the root causes of inequality in the Global South.
Intersecting Inequalities in Jamaica and Beyond: Policy Solutions for the Global South makes the case for studying Inequality as a top developmental issue. The text looks at the anatomy of inequality in the Latin American and Caribbean region, a place infamous for levels of economic inequality. It makes a compelling case for policies that can be used to reduce levels of inequality. The text provides sensible policy recommendations that, if adopted, will make the region a better place. The book is a must read for policymakers at all levels of governance who are working to improve our lived experiences.
— Denzil Williams, Professor of International Business and Principal, The University of the West Indies, Mona
This is a timely study given the persistent high levels of inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC); while a large body of research exists on inequality in Latin America, the Caribbean has been relatively neglected. This is especially true of Jamaica, on which the book focusses, a country with historically and persistent high inequality. The early chapters will be of most interest to general readers. Williams, Benfield and Leslie set the context and show how remittances can reduce the growth-reducing effects of inequality in LAC countries; Joseph and Bollers review the historical determinants of inequality in LAC; while Smith and Williams demonstrate the gradual reduction of inequality in Jamaica since 2000. The remaining chapters focus on initiatives to reduce inequality in the Caribbean, especially Jamaica, including national service schemes as community work programmes, social protection and justice to reduce child poverty, and harnessing digital and AI technology to promote inclusion. The book contributes to addressing inequality in the Caribbean.
— Oliver Morrissey, Professor of Development Economics, University of Nottingham and Managing Editor of The Journal of Development Studies
Intersecting Inequalities in Jamaica and Beyond: Policy Solutions for the Global South is a timely and compelling contribution to the literature on inequality. It offers a rigorous yet accessible examination of the structural, social, and technological forces that shape inequality across Jamaica, the Caribbean and the wider Global South. The book combines strong empirical analysis with clear policy relevance, addressing issues ranging from poverty, education, and child welfare to digital access and artificial intelligence. Its interdisciplinary approach and grounding in regional realities make it especially valuable for policymakers, academics, and development practitioners seeking evidence-based solutions to persistent and emerging inequalities. This book stands out as an authoritative and forward-looking resource that deepens understanding while offering practical pathways for inclusive and sustainable development.
— Nana Kufuor, Senior Lecturer in Economics and Associate Dean for Quality Standards, University of Dundee School of Business
Intersecting Inequalities in Jamaica and Beyond is a timely and essential contribution to understanding the complex forces shaping equity in the Global South. By blending rigorous research with actionable policy insights, this volume offers a roadmap for addressing systemic disparities in education, technology, and social mobility. It is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone committed to building inclusive societies.
— Ludovic Leroy, Associate Vice President for External Affairs and Strategic Partnerships, Brooklyn College
Kevin Williams is a Senior Research Fellow at the Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies (SALISES), The UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica.
Dacia L. Leslie is a Senior Research Fellow and Chair of the Crime Prevention and Offender Management Research Cluster hosted by SALISES, The UWI, Mona Campus, Jamaica.
Warren A. Benfield is a Development Economist and Associate Professor of Economics at the Borough of Manhattan Community College, City University of New York, USA.
Foreword; Rose-Marie Belle Antoine
Introduction: Inequality, Economic Growth, and Remittances in Latin America and the Caribbean; Kevin Williams, Warren Benfield, and Dacia L. Leslie
Part I. Poverty Reduction, Social and Economic Mobility, and Future Prospects
Chapter 1. The Anatomy of Inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean: History, Measurement and Mitigation; Joel Joseph and Elton Bollers
Chapter 2. The National Service Scheme: A Policy Framework for Advancing Equity in the Caribbean; Komla Amega
Chapter 3. The Dynamics of Inequality in Jamaica; Christopher Smith and Kevin Williams
Chapter 4. Taking “Time” Into Consideration: Time Poverty and Inequality in Jamaica; Heather Ricketts and Colin Williams
Part II. Child Well-Being and Youth Empowerment
Chapter 5. Child Poverty and Social Protection in Jamaica; Aldrie Henry-Lee, Richard Leach, and Yhanore Johnson-Coke
Chapter 6. Interrogating the Evolution of the Child Justice System in Trinidad and Tobago; Winston C. Benn, Godfrey St. Bernard, and Safia King
Chapter 7. Assessing Adherence to the Nelson Mandela Rules: Policy Implementation Gaps in the Treatment of Children Deprived of Liberty in Jamaica; Dacia L. Leslie
Part III. Digital Access, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology
Chapter 8. Bridging or Widening the Gap: A Study of Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Divide in Jamaica; Lloyd G. Waller and Stephen Johnson
Chapter 9. The Intersectionality of AI and Human Rights: Implications for Inequality in the Jamaican Context; Lisa Vasciannie, Lila Rao-Graham, and Suzana N. Russell
Lessons Learned and Concluding Thoughts on the Consequences and Nature of Inequality in the Global South; Kevin Williams, Warren Benfield, and Dacia L. Leslie