Structural adjustment in Costa Rica : impacts on the working class with reference to gender and race

Abstract

This thesis entitled Structural Adjustment in Costa Rica: Impacts on the Working Class with Reference to Gender and Race explores the impacts of structural adjustment programs in Costa Rica during the 1980s. The analysis focuses on the socio-economic effects of these programs on the quality of life of the working class with references to gender and race. This study examines the impacts of structural adjustment on salaries, wages, labour market composition, health care and education.

The study begins with a review of different currents of thought in regard to structural adjustment. Also, an historical background is provided in order to understand the unique characteristics of Costa Rica's socio-economic structure. Finally, these sections are followed by the analysis and conclusions of the data available.