Estratificación social y diversidad étnica en Ecuador y Brasil: un análisis comparativo

Abstract

The research is conducted within the framework of persistent inequality in Latin America, where Ecuador and Brazil stand out for their pronounced socioeconomic disparities. Despite both countries having implemented social policies aimed at mitigating these inequalities, indigenous and Afro-descendant communities continue to face significant challenges. Ethnic self-identification becomes a crucial factor in understanding how social and economic structures affect these groups, perpetuating their disadvantaged position in accessing resources and opportunities. The study aims to analyze the relationship between social stratification and ethnic groups in Ecuador and Brazil. To achieve this, several specific objectives are established: examine how income levels, education, employment, and access to basic services are related to the ethnic self-identification of populations in both countries; investigate the social policies implemented in Ecuador and Brazil aimed at reducing inequality, evaluating their effectiveness and scope; provide a sociological explanation for the persistence of social inequalities among indigenous and Afro-descendant sectors, despite the implemented social policies. The methodology is correlational, utilizing data from the National Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment Survey (ENEMDU) in Ecuador and the Family Budget Survey (POF) in Brazil. Additionally, a review is conducted on ethnic and economic inequality, as well as previous studies addressing the situation of indigenous and Afro-descendant communities in both countries. The results indicate that despite the implemented social policies, the living conditions of indigenous and Afro-descendant populations, among other ethnic groups, have not significantly improved.