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    The limits of participatory democracy and the inclusion of social movements in local government


    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

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    Abstract

    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.

    Item Type: Article
    Additional Information: Cite as: Valesca Lima (2019) The limits of participatory democracy and the inclusion of social movements in local government, Social Movement Studies, 18:6, 667-681, DOI: 10.1080/14742837.2019.1629277
    Keywords: Social movements; housing; participatory democracy; local government; decentralization;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Social Sciences > Sociology
    Item ID: 14111
    Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.1080/14742837.2019.1629277
    Depositing User: Valesca Lima
    Date Deposited: 02 Mar 2021 15:24
    Journal or Publication Title: Social Movement Studies
    Publisher: Taylor & Francis
    Refereed: Yes
    URI:
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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