Political Behavior in Latin America: The Citizen in Transition

Orlando Pérez's book "Political Behavior in Latin America" analyzes the impact, nature, and limits of democratization by analyzing the key theories of political behavior in the context of Latin America. It fills a longstanding gap in comparative politics by tying together the transformations in political institutions and processes in the developing world and the empirical data on political participation among the citizens of these countries. The book sheds light on citizen participation by answering questions such as why citizens vote, what factors shape their electoral choices, how and why do citizens support particular political parties, and what role parties and political candidates play in the levels of political engagement. It also examines the determinants of conventional and unconventional citizen participation and their consequences for the consolidation of democratic governance in Latin America and the rest of the developed world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Orlando Pérez delves into the intricate realm of political behavior within the context of Latin America, offering a comprehensive exploration of the impact, nature, and boundaries of democratization. In this groundbreaking book, Pérez fills a longstanding gap in comparative politics by seamlessly connecting the transformations in political institutions and processes in developing nations with the rich empirical data on political participation among the citizens of these countries.

To achieve this, Pérez employs the AmericasBarometer, the most extensive and empirically grounded series of public opinion data ever conducted in Latin America. This invaluable resource enables Pérez to shed light on citizen participation by addressing crucial questions such as why citizens vote, what factors shape their electoral choices, how and why citizens support particular political parties, when, how, and why do citizens engage in politics, and what role parties and political candidates play in the levels of political engagement.

Furthermore, Pérez delves into the determinants of conventional and unconventional citizen participation, unraveling the intricate interplay between individual, social, and political factors that shape the nature of politics in Latin America. By examining the interplay between these determinants, Pérez provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics that underpin citizen engagement and its implications for the consolidation of democratic governance in the region and, by comparison, the rest of the developed world.

In addition to its theoretical and empirical rigor, Political Behavior in Latin America offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the complex dynamics of citizen participation in the region. Pérez's analysis is grounded in a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape political behavior in Latin America, providing a comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

This book is a must-read for all students and scholars of political behavior, comparative politics, and Latin American studies. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field, while also providing valuable insights and perspectives for more advanced scholars and researchers. By analyzing the key theories of political behavior in the context of Latin America, Pérez illustrates the impact, nature, and limits of democratization, paving the way for future research and understanding of citizen participation in developing nations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780415737753