Satisfaction with Democracy in Latin America: Perspectives from Political Elites and Citizens

Abstract

[EN] The study of satisfaction with democracy (hereafter SWD) is an area of analysis that has been attracting political scientists since the appearance of Easton seminal work in 1965. In these more than 50 years, a multitude of articles have focused on finding the best way to measure SWD, with particular interest shown to the specific levels of SWD found in individuals and in countries. Scholars have sought explanatory factors for variations in satisfaction among both countries and individuals (that is macro and micro levels). This vast literature includes case studies and especially comparative studies, and its combines both synchronic and diachronic approaches. However, less attention has been paid in the literature to analysis of divergences within a single country between the levels of SWD as reported by political representatives and by citizens. In this chapter, we address that very issue. On the one hand, we examine the degree of satisfaction with the way democracy works in Latin America and its correlates. On the other hand, we analyze the levels of SWD voiced by elected representatives in the region, along with the individual explanatory variables. The results allows us to better identify similarities and differences between citizens and representatives, and to contribute to the general understanding of the Latin American context, which remains comparatively understudied. At the same time, we compare these results with those of other advanced democracies, to check for similar findings in the literature or specific variables for the region. In this analysis we have used data from two surveys: citizens’ interviews by Americas Barometer Project during 2016 and 2017; and data from elected representatives by Elites Políticas Latinoamericanas Project. Results show that variables linked to institutional performance influence the degree of satisfaction of both groups, while notable differences exist concerning other variables. In the case of legislators, trust is more relevant factor than the existence of corruption, whereas for citizens the benefits and performance of public policies (health care, education, etc.) have a substantial effect on satisfaction.