48 CultureShock! Chile
The Middle Class
Chile has a large and stable middle class. Many Chileans
classify themselves as middle class, even if they are in the
lower income bracket. Bureaucrats, mid-level managers,
professionals, office workers, teachers and nurses make
up the bulk of the middle class. This group tends to be
overburdened by credit as Chileans face the pressures of a
consumer society. The middle class either rent or own their
own home or apartment and tend to own one car. Their
children attend good schools, either public or private, and
they vacation within Chile.Lower Income Groups
The harsh economic policies enforced during the military
dictatorship caused a noticeable increase in the number
of poor to well over 40 per cent. Subsequent democratic
governments have implemented programmes and policies
to reverse that trend with encouraging results. The number
of those living below the poverty line is now around 15 per
cent. The percentage of indigent poor has dropped from
almost 17 per cent to just under 4 per cent. However, the
gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is large and
growing.Values
Overall, the Chilean people are united in their concern for the
poor. Since the return of democracy, they have consistently
voted into office candidates who promised social reforms in
conjunction with liberal economic policies.Housing
Chile’s housing programme has been both applauded and
criticised. Prior to the 1970s, low-income groups built
shantytowns using cardboard and metal on illegally seized
land. Pinochet initiated a housing policy that relocated
these groups to state supported housing. By removing the
shantytown eyesores, he hoped to change foreign perceptions
and attract capital. These housing policies were expanded
and reinforced by subsequent democratic governments.