Latin American Political Culture: Public Opinion and Democracy presents a genuinely pan-Latin American examination of the region's contemporary political culture. This is the only book to extensively investigate the attitudes and behaviors of Latin Americans based on the Latin American Public Opinion Project's (LAPOP) AmericasBarometer surveys. Through its analysis of data on eighteen countries, the book systematically and comparatively evaluates norms, attitudes, and opinions concerning democracy and its consolidation. Beginning with an introduction of political culture and its scholarship, it examines democratic and authoritarian norms, explores how citizens relate to the political world, and considers implications for democratic stability. It then examines key behavioral outcomes in politics, such as in attitudes toward gays and fear of crime, and how political culture changes over time. Case studies highlight how these factors come together in particular cases. The findings reveal a complex Latin America with distinct political cultures. This book joins rigorous analysis with clear graphic presentation and extensive examples. Readers learn about public opinion research, engage with further questions for analysis, and have access to data, an expansive bibliography, and links to appendices.
John A. Booth is Regents Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of North Texas. His recent research examines political culture, opinion, and participation regarding democratization, concentrating especially on Central America. He is coauthor of Understanding Central America: Global Forces, Rebellion, and Change (Westview 2015), and The Legitimacy Puzzle: Political Support and Democracy in Eight Nations (Cambridge 2009). Patricia Bayer Richard is Trustee Professor Emerita of Political Science at Ohio University. Her research spans democracy, public opinion, political culture, elections, and reproductive rights. Her work has appeared in journals and books such as the American Journal of Political Science, the Journal of Politics, the Social Science Quarterly, Electoral Studies, American Behavioral Scientist, Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding in Post-War Societies, Repression, Resistance, and Democratic Transition in Central America, Elections and Democracy in Central America Revisited, and Abortion Politics in American States.
Part I: Introduction Chapter 1: Latin American Political Culture and Democracy: Introduction What Is Political Culture? A Common Language for Politics Why Political Culture Matters: An Argument Over Its Function Views of Latin American Political Culture: Traditional Theories and an Emerging New Picture The Goal of This Book Further Analysis Exercises Part II: A Survey of Latin American Political Cultural Norms Chapter 2: Do Latin Americans Support Democracy? What Model of Democracy? Historical-Cultural Background and Latin American Political Culture Sources of Democratic Attitudes Case Study: Uruguay Is the Most Culturally Democratic Latin American Country Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 3: Do Latin Americans Reject Authoritarian Norms? Authoritarian Norms in a Democratic Context? Historical-Cultural Background Surveying Latin Americans' Commitment to Authoritarian and Antidemocratic Political Norms Authoritarianism and Related Norms Among Latin Americans Sources of Authoritarian and Antidemocratic Norms Case Study: Political Culture and Honduras' "Pajama Coup" Discussion and Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 4: Views of Government and the Political System Historical-Cultural Background Views About Politics And Government Political Efficacy and Trust Party Identification And Ideology Expectations of the Political System: Government and Welfare and Divisions on the Rule of Law Case Study: Caudillismo, Confrontation, and Venezuela's Crisis in the Bolivarian Revolution Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 5: Demand for Democracy and Evaluation of Government's Institutions The Performance of Latin American Governments Citizens' Evaluations of Their Governments Explaining Satisfaction With Democracy Case Study: Vigilante Justice in Mexico- Failed Public Security and Autodefensas Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Part III: Critical Issues of Latin American Political Culture Chapter 6: Civic and Political Participation Historical-Cultural Background How Citizens Participate Civil Society Activism Political Participation Case Study: Brazil- Sao Paulo Youth Protest for Access to Fancy Malls Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 7: Innate Characteristics and Political Culture: Gender, Age, Race, and Ethnicity Gender Age Race and Ethnicity Skin Color Case Study: Cultural Integration of Indigenous Guatemalans and Bolivians Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 8: Acquired Cleavages and Political Culture Religious Identity Education Economic Status Case Study: Tolerance of Gays Reveals Powerful Religious and Contextual Effects Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises Chapter 9: Dynamic Factors and Political Culture The Age of Democracy and Political Culture Economic Crisis and Political Attitudes Social and Political Capital and Democratization Case Study: Women in Elite Politics Conclusions Further Analysis Questions Part IV: Conclusions About Latin American Political Culture Chapter 10: Conclusions: Consolidating Democratic Culture Summing Up: What We Have Learned Latin America and Its Northern Neighbors Practical Implications of Political Culture Conclusions Further Analysis Exercises
