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Increased conspicuous consumption motivated by status-seeking behavior can undermine the gains in well-being derived from economic growth. Using expenditure surveys from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay, we assess visible consumption motivated by status seeking behaviour, analyzing different hypotheses about the role of externalities driven by social comparisons and income inequality. Specifically, we provide evidence for the relevance of different reference groups, assessing comparisons with richer (Veblen effects), poorer and similar profile groups (Duesenberry effects). We show that individuals are affected by multiple reference groups. Regarding between-group inequality, we find that individuals mainly seek to differentiate themselves from poorer groups, rather than imitating richer ones. In all cases, average reference group income of similar profile individuals is negatively related to visible consumption. Meanwhile, within-reference group responses are relevant in Argentina, Brazil and Mexico: increased visible goods consumption is associated with larger relative income gaps. In Argentina and Brazil, the sensitivity of visible goods expenditures to income is higher among households located above the reference threshold, which is consistent, again, with more affluent households trying to signal status by differentiating themselves from the most deprived group members. Meanwhile, in the case of Mexico, there is a symmetric response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper aims to provide evidence about the POUM hypothesis (prospects of upward mobility) in Latin America. It postulates that preferences for redistribution decrease with the prospects of upward mobility of individuals, given that in a possible economic improvement they would be harmed by redistribution. The case of Latin America is analyzed for the period 2009-2018, which has registered changes in inequality and intragenerational mobility in part, due to redistributive policies in the past decade. For this, data from Latinobarómetro and the Probit-Adapted OLS methodology are used. The results support the POUM hypothesis, unlike what the studies carried out for previous periods obtain, in another context of inequality and mobility in Latin America. In addition, suggestive results are obtained about the influence of intergenerational mobility, religiosity, ideology and institutional quality on preferences for redistribution. It should be noted that these results vary according to the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En este artículo se analiza la dinámica del desempleo en el Uruguay en el marco de la teoría de la reacción en cadena y se aporta evidencia que explica la notable reducción del desempleo en los últimos años. Se confirma la incidencia de variables exógenas sobre la trayectoria del desempleo en el largo plazo y se descarta que su nivel de largo plazo gravite alrededor de un valor de equilibrio. Se constata la presencia de procesos de inercia en la demanda y oferta laboral y en los salarios, que interactúan entre sí y redundan en que los choques tengan efectos persistentes sobre el desempleo. Además, existen efectos de derrame complementarios que afectan la magnitud y duración de los efectos de los choques. Finalmente, se destaca que el crecimiento del acervo de capital y de su productividad explica parte de la significativa caída del desempleo en el Uruguay desde 2003. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]