Examines, through the use of a wide array of statistical data, how Colombia's economic growth during the decade of the 1970s affected the income of its workers.

In this major work an economist with long experience as an advisor in developing countries explores the conflict between market forces and political reform that has led straight into Latin America's most serious problems. John Sheahan addresses three central concerns: the persistence of poverty in Latin American countries despite rising national incomes, the connection between economic troubles and political repression, and the relationships between Latin America and the rest of the world in trade and finance, as well as overall dependence. His comprehensive explanation of why many Latin Americans identify open political systems with frustration and economic breakdown will interest not only economists but also a broad range of other social scientists. This is "political economy" in the classical sense of the word, establishing a clear connection between the political and economic realities of Latin America.

Examines broad patterns of development and some economic issues facing Latin American countries. Includes a chapter outlining recurrent patterns of economic development and economic crises throughout the past 500 years.

The role of agriculture in the Colombian economy and main economic development, 1967-83; Model and empirical evidence; Supply response in Colombian agriculture; Income distribution and real wages in agriculture.