Which of the following was a negative consequence of the structural adjustment programs? Decreased unemployment Increased public spending Improved living standards Increased poverty and social inequality

## Step 1<br />Structural adjustment programs are typically implemented by international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. These programs are designed to foster economic stability and growth in developing countries. However, they often come with conditions that can lead to negative consequences.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided in the question are potential outcomes of structural adjustment programs. We need to identify the negative consequence among these options.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The options "Decreased unemployment", "Increased public spending", and "Improved living standards" are generally considered positive outcomes. These outcomes are typically associated with economic growth and stability, which are the goals of structural adjustment programs.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />On the other hand, "Increased poverty and social inequality" is a negative outcome. This is because structural adjustment programs often involve measures that can lead to job losses, reduced public spending, and a widening gap between the rich and the poor.