Multidimensional statistical analysis related to the evolution of education in South America over the last fifty years

Abstract

Education is a fundamental factor for any citizen regardless of age, race, belief and sex. The objective of this research was to evaluate different statistical variables associated with education in the different countries of South America, in the last five decades. For the analysis of the information, the multivariate techniques called MANOVA, cluster and canonical analysis were used. A high percentage of illiterate people belonging to the third age was found, mainly in the rural sector. Bolivia is the nation that invests the highest percentage of GDP in education. Significant differences between nations were detected in the variables: gross domestic product, average number of students per teacher, percentage of literacy, percentage of students completing a cycle and educational life expectancy. It is concluded that the level of illiteracy is decreasing significantly in recent decades, which allows building a more equitable and inclusive society.