Abstract

Since the end of the Pinochet regime, Chilean public policy has sought to rebuild democratic governance in the country. This book examines the links between the state and civil society in Chile and the ways social policies have sought to ensure the inclusion of the poor in society and democracy. Although Chile has gained political stability and grown economically, the ability of social policies to expand democratic governance and participation has proved limited, and in fact such policies have become subordinate to an elitist model of democracy and resulted in a restrictive form of citizen participation.


Gonzalo Delamaza is a Chilean sociologist and Professor at the University of Los Lagos, Chile. He has actively participated in the design and evaluation of many social programs implemented by NGOs in cooperation with the Chilean government. He is the author of several books and articles on public policy and democracy in Chile, including Tan lejos tan cerca: políticas públicas y sociedad civil en Chile (2005).
 

“Qualities of the book are the thorough, well-documented accounts of these various dimensions of a manacled democratization that ended up in a failed inclusion of Chile’s disadvantaged sectors.” · Anthropos

“[This book] frames the Chilean case nicely in the context of theories of democratization, democracy, and the case for political participation in democracy.  It will clarify our thinking about the many different modalities of participation….This is a huge advance and contribution to the debate.  And, of course, the book makes a very significant, unique empirical contribution to understanding the state of political participation by civil society in Chile.”  ·  Eduardo Silva, Tulane University

“This is an excellent book, both in terms of its theoretical discussion and of the analysis of empirical data. The analysis it presents is careful and comprehensive, covering a large number of relevant questions related to its main theme: citizen participation and its role in enhancing democracy and in the formulation of public policies. It combines historical perspective, contextual dimensions, empirical research and excellent theoretical tools.”  ·  Evelina Dagnino, University of Campinas