THE 12 MOST SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEMS IN PERU - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The social problems in Peru have slowed the process of social improvement and have made the state set aside the problems of the population to solve other problems of the government.

Peru is a country in South America that in recent years has faced social problems that the World Bank has declared critical. However, compared to the Peruvian situation in 2000, the current situation in the country has improved considerably.

For example, in 2002 the poverty rate was 54%. By 2014, this figure had dropped to 23%. This number is equally alarming, but represents an improvement that cannot be ignored.

The negligence of the State translates into multiple social problems, which will be explained below.

Main social problems in Peru

1- Corruption

Corruption is a common problem in most of the states of the world and Peru does not escape this reality. In the year 2000, Peru's history was marked by the illegal and corrupt behavior of many members of the government. In this year, videos of politicians offering and accepting bribes were found.

The case that resonated in the history of Peru was that of Vladimiro Montesinos, this was the political advisor of Alberto Fujimori, who was the president of Peru at that period.

The audiovisual evidence, which became known as the Vladivideos, showed Montesinos offering bribes to different people in public office: certain members of Congress received more than $ 15,000 and some judges received a monthly bribe of $ 10,000.

This process of corruption was carried out in order to fix the 2000 elections and make Fujimori re-elected.

When these videos were made public, Fujimori was forced to flee to Japan and sent his resignation to the presidency from this nation.

Montesinos escaped from Peru when charges were filed against him. Many claimed that he managed to escape with the help of Gustavo Cisneros, the Venezuelan magnate, and that he was hiding in Venezuela.

The Venezuelan state denied such accusations. However, in 2001, Montesinos was captured by Venezuelan forces and extradited to Peru.

Corruption cases in Peru have decreased in the last decade. However, there is still a general distrust towards politicians and members of the government.

2- Child labor

Child labor is a serious problem in Peru. In recent decades, the number of economically active underage youth has increased. This figure goes hand in hand with the number of young people who drop out of the education system before finishing high school.

In 2000, about 20% of children between the ages of 6 and 17 had a job. 11% of children between 6 and 11 years old participated in the labor market. For their part, 30% of young people between 12 and 17 years old were economically active.

This means that around 1,400,000 children and adolescents were involved in some remunerated economic activity by the year 2000.

This shows the weaknesses of the Peruvian government, not only in the social sphere, but also in the political and economic fields.

This problem reveals poor administration of state resources, unequal distribution of wealth, and government negligence.

3- Precarious situation regarding human rights

Human rights reports issued by the United Nations have shown that the State of Peru has failed to guarantee respect for the rights of its citizens.

Injustice can be observed at different levels of the nation: from social injustice to political injustice.

In many cases, freedom of expression is also not respected: journalists face harassment and intimidation. Added to this, censorship is a common problem.

4- Juvenile vandalism

Compared to other nations, the level of crime in Peru is relatively low. However, the level of youth vandalism is high enough that it represents a social problem.

Many children and adolescents drop out of school at an early age and join vandalism groups that commit crimes such as theft, physical assault, and damage to public facilities. Most of these acts are committed under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

The causes behind this problem are unemployment, economic crisis, school dropouts and problems in family relationships.

5- Racial problems

82% of the Peruvian population is aboriginal or mestizo (descendants of aborigines and Spaniards). For its part, about 15% of the population is Caucasian, of 100% Spanish or European descent.

Although they constitute the majority, the Aboriginal population or those of Aboriginal descent face racial discrimination from the remaining 15%.

Added to this, the population of Spanish descent makes up the economic and social elite of the country, while the rest of the citizens must face marginalization.

6- Poverty

In the last 10 years, the level of poverty has decreased in Peru. However, the numbers continue to be worrying.

In a country of 30 million inhabitants, almost 8 million live in poverty. Of these 8 million, at least three million face extreme poverty. The most affected are indigenous and rural populations.

7- Black work

75% of the working population of Peru is involved in black work. This means that they do not have a regular job, so they do not receive benefits such as social security.

8- Difficulties of access to housing

In Peru, a high percentage of the population does not own a home and also has difficulty accessing it. The reasons are the low supply and the rising cost of rental apartments.

9- Unworthy homes

In addition to the problem of getting a home. A significant number of properties do not meet the minimum services to be able to be inhabited with dignity. Lack of sewerage network or not having access to water are some of the most significant problems.

10- Illiteracy

Although illiteracy rates have been declining year after year, in Peru there are still more than a million people who cannot read or write. Data that indicates that the South American country has worse rates than other nations such as Zimbabwe, Syria or Botswana.

11- Lack of training

The Peruvian training offer has many fronts to improve in order to be of quality. In addition, both basic education colleges and universities have very high costs that the average Peruvian cannot afford.

12- Health not insured

In Peru, year after year, the budget for health increases. However, the indicators ensure that the quality of service has declined. Lack of personnel, lack of training in the health sector, ineffective supply of medicines, centers and equipment in poor condition, and poorly managed money are some of the main deficiencies.

Themes of interest

Social problems of Mexico.

Colombia's social problems.

Guatemala social problems.

References

1. Peru Facts and Key Issues. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from perusupportgroup.org.uk
2. Social Issues and Concerns in Peru. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from peru-4-u.tripod.com
3. Poverty and Other Challenges ahead for Peru's New President. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from humanophere.org
4. Key Issues Affecting Youth in Peru. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from oecd.org
5. Social and Environmental Issues in Peru. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from vivatravelguides.com
6. Discrimination and Inequality. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from perusupportgroup.org.uk
7. Race and Racism in Peru. Retrieved on July 24, 2017, from hoopperu.org.