Final answer:
High levels of income inequality in underdeveloped Latin American countries are a structural problem stemming from the socioeconomic and political structures that disadvantage certain population segments.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing the structural and non-structural problems faced by most underdeveloped Latin American countries, high levels of income inequality would be considered a structural problem. Structural issues are deep-rooted and often stem from long-standing socioeconomic and political frameworks. Such inequality is indicative of a society's structure that disproportionately allocates resources, opportunities, and privileges to different segments of the population.
This problem of inequality can lead to many societal issues, including poverty, which in turn may breed social unrest and political instability. As seen in Haiti and Madagascar, political instability aggravates poverty, reducing the quality of public services and creating a challenging environment for economic growth and foreign investment. Conversely, addressing poverty and building a legal framework for economic growth are crucial steps towards mitigating the structural problem of income inequality.