Public Opinion on the Role of Government and Market in Latin America

Abstract

This article examines public attitudes towards state ownership of industry and state measures to reduce income inequality. Relying upon the 2016/17 AmericasBarometer, our analysis finds that trust in institutions and education are the main determinants of support for different types of state intervention in the economy. Additionally, ideology and presidential approval matter when leaders frame their policies in ideological terms and a charismatic incumbent advocates state intervention.