Democracy at Work: Pathways to Well-Being in Brazil

Democracy at Work explores how democracy advances well-being and improves citizens' lives, focusing on the local robustness of three democratic pathways: participatory institutions, rights-based social programs, and inclusive state capacity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 373 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

One of the most significant challenges facing the world in the twenty-first century is the need to address significant, profound, and longstanding gaps in human development. In their book, Democracy at Work, Professors Brian Wampler, Natasha Borges Sugiyama, and Michael Touchton delve into a crucial question: how does democracy, characterized by its messy, contentious, and time-consuming aspects, contribute to the well-being and quality of life of its citizens? The authors argue that the variation in how democratic governments enhance well-being can be best explained by examining the local robustness of three democratic pathways: participatory institutions, rights-based social programs, and inclusive state capacity.

To support their argument, the authors employ novel data from Brazil and innovative analytical techniques. Through their analysis, they demonstrate that participatory institutions enable citizens to express their voices and exercise their voting rights, inclusive social programs promote citizenship rights and access to public resources, and more capable local states utilize public resources in accordance with democratic principles of rights protection and equal access.

The findings of this study shed light on how democracy works to advance capabilities related to poverty, health, women's empowerment, and education. By highlighting the importance of local factors and democratic pathways, the book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics of democratic development and governance. It serves as a timely reminder that democracy is not a one-size-fits-all solution but rather a flexible framework that can be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of different societies.

In conclusion, Democracy at Work is a thought-provoking and insightful book that provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of democratic governance in the twenty-first century. By examining the local robustness of democratic pathways, the authors offer a compelling argument for why democracy is a vital tool for promoting well-being and improving citizens' lives. This book is a must-read for policymakers, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of democratic development and governance.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108717335
Edition number: New ed