Meaning: The quote you provided is attributed to Evita Peron, the former First Lady of Argentina and a prominent political figure in the country. In this quote, Evita Peron is expressing her observations about the distribution of wealth and power in Argentina at the time, highlighting the disproportionate influence held by a small number of wealthy families. She goes on to mention the efforts made by her husband, Juan Peron, and the government to address the inequality by implementing policies such as the eight-hour working day, sickness pay, and fair wages, with the aim of providing a fair opportunity for the poor workers in the country.

During the time period when Evita Peron made this statement, Argentina was grappling with significant social and economic disparities. The country's economy was largely dominated by a small elite class, while the majority of the population, particularly the working class, faced economic hardships and limited access to basic labor rights and social protections. The Peronist government, led by Juan Peron, sought to address these inequalities through a series of social and economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of the working-class citizens.

One of the key reforms mentioned in the quote is the introduction of the eight-hour working day. Prior to this policy, many workers in Argentina were subjected to long and grueling work hours with little regard for their well-being. The establishment of a standard eight-hour workday was a significant step towards ensuring that workers had adequate time for rest, leisure, and family life, thereby improving their overall quality of life.

In addition to the eight-hour working day, the implementation of sickness pay and fair wages represented further efforts to protect the rights and well-being of workers. Sickness pay provided workers with a safety net in the event of illness or injury, ensuring that they would not face financial hardship during times of incapacity to work. Fair wages, on the other hand, aimed to address the issue of low wages and exploitation, ensuring that workers received reasonable compensation for their labor.

Evita Peron's reference to giving "poor workers a fair go" reflects the underlying principle of social justice and equity that guided the Peronist reforms. The government's focus on addressing the needs of the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society was a central tenet of Peronism, and it resonated strongly with many working-class Argentinians who had long been neglected and marginalized.

The quote attributed to Evita Peron serves as a testament to the commitment of the Peronist government to tackle inequality and improve the lives of the working class in Argentina. The policies and reforms introduced during this period aimed to create a more equitable and just society by providing essential labor rights and social protections to those who had been historically marginalized.

In conclusion, Evita Peron's statement encapsulates the socio-economic context of Argentina during the Peronist era and highlights the government's efforts to address the imbalances of wealth and power through progressive reforms aimed at empowering and supporting the working class. The impact of these policies continues to resonate in the history of Argentina and remains a significant aspect of the country's political and social development.