A psychopolitical approach to social inequality in Latin America

Abstract

This chapter systematizes the main elements of a psychopolitical approach to social inequality in Latin America. It presents two analytical axes prioritized in Latin American political psychology. The first axis encompasses studies on perceived social inequality. Not all researchers in this line of inquiry identify themselves as political psychologists, although the objects of study and analytical perspectives of those who do not are consistent with this disciplinary field. The second axis entails research oriented to operationalizing the justification of social inequality and to determining the psychosocial and psychopolitical variables that contribute to explanations of inequality justification. The chapter finally presents potential future research directions, as well as suggestions for approaching these problems that are aimed at members of civil society and public policymakers interested in contributing to the reduction of social inequality in the region.