|
The limits of participatory democracy and the inclusion of social movements in local government |
Lima, Valesca
|
|
|
|
This paper examines the decentralisation of decision-making processes
in local government. Empirically, I analyse how Brazilian housing
movements are included in participatory processes by examining
the ways in which participatory models integrate social movements
in spaces of decision-making. I argue that the rules and focus on
incremental policy-making limits the participation of social movements.
Findings suggests that unequal power structures at local
councils, barriers to the participation of citizens, and the lack of
transparency of government decisions all prevent social movements
from having a more influential voice in decision-making. Although
previous studies in Brazil examined the integration of citizens in
government institutions, this paper contributes to the literature in
two ways: firstly, it provides new evidence on the impact of decentralisation
in local government. Secondly, by examining the attitudes
of housing council members towards popular political participation,
it provides new insights into the limits of decentralisation and participatory
governance in contemporary Brazil.
|
|
Keyword(s):
|
Social movements; housing; participatory democracy; local government; decentralization |
Publication Date:
|
2019 |
|
Type:
|
Journal article |
|
Peer-Reviewed:
|
Yes |
|
Institution:
|
Maynooth University |
|
Citation(s):
|
Lima, Valesca (2019) The limits of participatory democracy and the inclusion of social movements in local government. Social Movement Studies, 18 (6). pp. 667-681. ISSN 1474-2837 |
|
Publisher(s):
|
Taylor & Francis |
|
File Format(s):
|
other |
|
Related Link(s):
|
http://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/14111/1/VL_the%20limits.pdf |
|
First Indexed:
2021-03-03 07:19:44 Last Updated:
2021-03-03 07:19:44 |
