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Human capital convergence in Latin America: 1950–2000*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 January 2010

Isabel Sanz Villarroya
Isabel Sanz Villarroya
Affiliation:
University of Zaragoza
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Abstract

Using the Penn World Table, the CEPAL statistics and the OxLAD data base for the period 1950–2000, and considering a sample of 18 Latin American countries, this paper tries to test for convergence within the region. The results from a panel data approach only allow us to speak about convergence in a conditional sense. In fact, one of the main factors behind both economic growth and the catching up process in the region is the level of human capital. This variable has been constructed using Principal Components methodology and taking into consideration primary and secondary school enrolment ratios, the number of inhabitants per doctor, life expectancy, the infant mortality rate and the dependency rate.

Resumen

Usando la información contenida en las Penn World Table las estadísticas de la CEPAL y la base de datos OLAD para el periodo 1950–2000, y considerando una muestra de 18 países Latinoamericanos, este artículo pretende estudiar el proceso de convergencia que se da entre ellos. Los resultados obtenidos utilizando técnicas de datos de panel nos permiten hablar de convergencia sólo en un sentido condicional. Realmente, encontramos que el principal factor que explica el proceso de crecimiento y convergencia en esta región es el nivel de capital humano. Esta variable ha sido construida usando la metodología de Componentes Principales y tomando en consideración variables tales como la tasa de matrícula en educación primaria y secundaria, el número de habitantes por médico, la esperanza de vida, la mortalidad infantil y la tasa de dependencia.

Keywords

crecimiento económicoconvergenciacapital humanoAmérica Latinaeconomic growthconvergencehuman capitalLatin America
Type
Articles/Artículos
Information
Revista de Historia Economica - Journal of Iberian and Latin American Economic History , Volume 25 , Issue 1 , Primavera 2007 , pp. 87 - 122
Copyright
Copyright © Instituto Figuerola de Historia y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad Carlos III de Madrid 2007

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