Milton Friedman: How Responsible Is He? A Required Preamble to Understanding His Influence on the Chilean Educational System 1950–2010

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Chilean education system, it is often argued, radically changed in the years after 1980 because of the influence of the economic thought of Milton Friedman. Here, I explore Friedman’s notion of indivisible freedom and its practical application in Chile through the economist’s direct involvement with the regime and the reforms, particularly with the implementation of vouchers in education. I argue that a detailed assessment of Friedman’s relationship with Chile reveals more nuances to his concept of indivisible freedom. I rely on data obtained from (1) The Milton Friedman Papers, 1912-2006, Hoover Institution Archives; (2) University of Chicago, Office of the President. Wilson Administration, Records, University of Chicago Special Collections; (3) The Chicago Maroon; (4) The New York Times; and (5) The Youth Spartacus. In addition to a different perspective on Friedman’s involvement in Chile, complementary/alternative explanations to the implementation of vouchers in Chile are provided.