Artículos de revistas
Government popularity and public attitudes to social security reform in Brazil
Registro en:
International Journal Of Public Opinion Research. Oxford Univ Press, v. 17, n. 2, n. 173, n. 189, 2005.
0954-2892
WOS:000229286300003
10.1093/ijpor/edh066
Autor
Meneguello, R
Institución
Resumen
This study analyzes the role of public opinion in the shaping of reform policies in the most recent period of Brazilian politics, after the Workers' Party candidate won the Presidency in 2002. The object of analysis is the social security reform for the public sector, which is one of the major issues of concern with regard to the balance of public expenditure in Brazil. The analysis is based on a national survey conducted in June 2003. It shows that the reform was in tune with public perceptions and opinions about the system's functioning. Data suggest that the political costs of changes in the social rights and security for the public sector are located within the specific segment of public servants, and their losses do not resonate with other segments. It shows that the positive evaluation of presidential performance and the approval of government affect public support for the government policies, an aspect that was already observed for the 1990s. Thus, it seems that a good governmental performance, as evidenced in high popularity ratings and giving priority to economic growth targets, also works for a government of the democratic left. Such a government, so the analysis suggests, can successfully implement neo-liberal reform without embarrassing itself or estranging its supporters. 17 2 173 189