The Middle Class in Chile The Charact eristics and Evolution 1990-2011

Abstract

The middle class in Chile does not correspond to more developed countries where the middle class is the center of society. Despite the economic growth and overall reduction of poverty in the country in the last 20 years, an important part of the middle class in Chile remains vulnerable and, contrary to popular belief, does not present a more favorable attitude towards democracy in comparison to other segments of society. This poses a strong challenge to both the middle class and society as a whole, which implies strengthening and extending the social rights of citizenship, the promotion of the democratic political citizenship and the need for a new social pact for governance.