Psychology and Prosperity: Does Latin America fit into the Western mold?

In his book "The Weirdest People in the World," anthropologist Joseph Henrich presents the interesting hypothesis that economic prosperity is intrinsically related to the psychology of a society. Henrich coins the term WEIRD – an acronym for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic – to describe the peculiarities of prosperous societies, and questions whether countries like Colombia and Latin America in general fit into this psychological mold. In a context where the 'I' of industrialized and the 'D' of democratic do not seem to fully apply to the Latin American reality, uncertainty arises about the 'R' of wealth and the 'W' of Westernism. This reflection leads us to question whether our psychological and cultural identity is defined by Western parameters or if we are a unique and indefinable mix that has not yet found its way to prosperity. Henrich emphasizes that individual and collective psychological differences influence how we perceive the world, make moral decisions, and relate to others. This not only impacts personal development but also the evolution of governmental institutions, laws, religion, and commerce. In societies where clan ties prevail, as is common in some regions of Latin America, progress is hindered by decisions based on personal, group, or ideological interests rather than objective merits. Conversely, the dissolution of these ties in urbanized societies and deeper markets was crucial for Europe's development. The current economic dilemma is perceived as a clash between divergent political and psychological visions: on one hand, those advocating for equal wealth redistribution, and on the other, those who believe in innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of progress, even at the cost of inequality. The choice between promoting equality through redistribution or fostering production and economic growth has profound repercussions on collective psychology. Let's imagine two cities, each following a different path, and observe how they evolve over the decades. It is likely that in one, solidarity based on generosity will flourish, while in the other, creativity and entrepreneurial dynamism will prevail. Although cities and countries in Latin America may present diverse mixes and nuances in this dichotomy, the influence of political and economic decisions on society's psychology is undeniable. Economic prosperity shapes people's psychology, while psychology influences the policies and actions that determine a nation's course. Ultimately, psychology and prosperity are deeply intertwined, and the decisions made today by political leaders and technocrats will have a lasting impact on collective psychology and the economic future of our countries. It is crucial to reflect on how our beliefs, values, and attitudes influence the construction of a prosperous and equitable society for all.