Title: Participatory democracy versus elitist democracy : lessons from Brazil /
Authors: Nylen, William R.
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan,
Year: 2003
Subjects: Democracy Brazil; Political participation Brazil; Elite (Social sciences) Brazil.
Abstract: "We now live in a world of "Elitist Democracies" essentially constructed of, by and for moneyed, well-connected and ethically-challenged elites. Fortunately, there are alternatives, and that's where Brazil offers valuable lessons. Experiments in local-level participatory democracy, put into practice in Brazil by the Workers Party - South America's largest left-wing party - demonstrate how "Bringing the People Back In" helps revitalize democratic politics. Nylen examines and critically analyzes the Workers Party's experiment in "participatory budgeting," showing both the promise and the practical limitations of efforts to promote "popular participation" and citizen empowerment. The conclusion distills the most important lessons from the Brazilian case study for those interested in reclaiming democracy "of the people, for the people and by the people.""--BOOK JACKET.
Contents: Elitist democracy, civic disengagement, and citizen politics in the United States -- Elitist democracy, civic disengagement, and citizen politics in Brazil -- Participatory democracy in theory -- Participatory democracy in practice -- Brazil's Workers' Pafty and the participatory budget -- The Orc̨amento Participativo in Betim, Minas Gerais -- Explaining the claims of proponents of the participatory budget -- Examining the claims of critics of the participatory budget -- Administering the participatory budget -- ideology and dedication -- Conclusion: Participatory democracy versus elitist democracy -- lessons from Brazil.