Which set of policies emphasizes free markets, deregulation of financial markets, individualism, and reduced state welfare?

• A. Structuralist Theory
• B. Maquiladoras
• C. Neoliberal Policies
• D. HDI

Answer: (C)

Neoliberal policies emphasize free markets and limited government involvement in the economy. They advocate for deregulation, especially of financial markets, along with privatization, open trade and capital flows, and a reduced role for the state in welfare programs. This approach rests on the idea that markets and individual initiative allocate resources more efficiently than government planning, so interventions are rolled back to let private enterprise drive growth.

That makes it the best fit for the description. The other terms refer to different concepts: structuralist theory focuses on how global economic structures shape development and often supports more state-led, protectionist or strategic policy, rather than free-market rules; Maquiladoras denote a type of export-oriented manufacturing operation rather than a policy stance; and HDI is an index that measures development outcomes, not a policy framework.