Peru is a country with a rich history, vast cultural and natural diversity, and a developing economy. However, like many Latin American countries, it faces a number of social problems that affect large sectors of its population. These social problems have deep roots in the country's history, politics, and structural inequalities, and although efforts have been implemented to improve the situation, many challenges persist. In this article, we will explore some of the most prominent social problems facing Peru, such as poverty, inequality, limited access to education and health, gender violence, corruption, and discrimination.
Poverty and economic inequality.
One of the most significant social problems in Peru is poverty and economic inequality. Even though the country has experienced considerable economic growth in recent decades, a large part of the population continues to live in poverty. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), 20.2% of Peruvians lived in poverty in 2020, a figure that has been aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inequality is also a critical problem in Peru. Although economic growth has benefited many, it has not been equitable. There are large differences in the distribution of wealth between urban and rural areas. While major cities, such as Lima and Arequipa, have experienced considerable economic growth, rural areas, especially in the highlands and jungle, continue to suffer from high levels of poverty. Regional inequality translates into fewer employment opportunities, limited access to basic services, and poorer infrastructure in rural regions.
Moreover, the income gap between the rich and the poor remains pronounced. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few contributes to the perpetuation of social inequality, preventing a large part of the population from escaping poverty and improving their quality of life.
Limited education and health.
Limited access to quality education and problems in the health system are other major challenges in Peru. Although the country has made progress in terms of educational coverage, the quality of education remains a problem, especially in rural areas. Schools in remote areas often lack adequate resources, trained staff, and the infrastructure necessary to provide quality education. This contributes to the perpetuation of social disparities, as children in rural areas have fewer opportunities to obtain an education that will allow them to escape poverty.
School dropout is also a persistent problem in Peru. Many children and adolescents drop out of school because of the need to work and contribute to the family's livelihood. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where families often rely on agriculture and other forms of manual labor to survive.
Regarding the health system, despite government efforts to improve health care coverage, many Peruvians still face significant barriers to accessing quality health services. In rural areas, distances to health centers are long and facilities often lack medical personnel, medicines, and equipment. Maternal and child health is particularly vulnerable in these regions, leading to higher rates of infant mortality and complications in childbirth.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the shortcomings of Peru’s health system, overwhelming hospitals and exposing the lack of adequate infrastructure to deal with public health crises. Disparities in access to health services between urban and rural areas aggravated the impact of the pandemic on the most vulnerable communities.
Gender violence.
Gender violence is another alarming social problem in Peru. Violence against women, including harassment, domestic violence and femicide, remains a tragic reality in the country. Even though Peru has implemented policies and laws to protect women and combat gender violence, such as Law 30364 to prevent, punish and eradicate violence against women, the statistics remain worrying.
According to data from the Ministry of Women and Vulnerable Populations (MIMP), more than 130 femicides were recorded in Peru in 2020, reflecting a growing trend of this type of violence. Machismo and deeply rooted patriarchal structures in Peruvian society contribute to women being subjected to violence and discrimination. In addition, many victims of domestic violence face obstacles in reporting their abusers, whether due to fear of retaliation, distrust of the judicial system, or lack of access to support resources.
The lack of effective protection for women and impunity for perpetrators are problems that perpetuate gender-based violence in Peru. Authorities must redouble their efforts to implement more effective policies that guarantee women's safety and protection, as well as access to justice.
Corruption.
Corruption is another social problem that seriously affects Peru. For decades, the country has witnessed numerous corruption scandals involving high-level politicians, businessmen and public officials. Corruption not only undermines public trust in institutions, but also has a direct impact on the country's economic and social development.
One of the most notorious corruption cases in recent Peruvian history was the Odebrecht scandal, a bribery scheme in which high-ranking Peruvian government officials received illicit payments in exchange for public works contracts. This scandal affected several former presidents of the country, which highlighted the depth of the corruption problem in the Peruvian political system.
Corruption not only affects politics at the national level, but is also present at local and regional levels. This has a devastating impact on the most vulnerable communities, as funds intended for basic services such as education, health and infrastructure are diverted or wasted, perpetuating poverty and inequality.
Discrimination.
Discrimination is a persistent social problem in Peru, affecting mainly indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. Despite Peru being a multicultural and multiethnic country, indigenous groups, especially those living in rural areas of the mountains and jungle, continue to face high levels of marginalization and social exclusion.
Racial and ethnic discrimination manifests itself in a variety of ways, from limited access to employment and educational opportunities to unfair treatment in public and private institutions. Indigenous communities are also victims of labour exploitation and human rights abuses, especially in areas where extractive projects such as mining and logging are taking place.
Structural racism in Peru has led to the exclusion of indigenous communities from decision-making processes, perpetuating poverty and inequality in these populations. Despite government efforts to promote inclusion, discrimination remains a major obstacle to the social and economic development of these communities.
Social problems in Peru are complex and multidimensional. Poverty, inequality, lack of access to education and health, gender violence, corruption and discrimination are persistent challenges that require comprehensive and sustainable solutions. Although the country has made significant progress in some aspects, it is necessary to continue working on the creation of public policies that effectively address these problems, promoting social inclusion, equity and justice for all Peruvians. Only through coordinated efforts and a real commitment by society and government will Peru be able to overcome these social problems and build a more prosperous future for all.