Dados is one of the most widely-read social sciences journals in Latin America. Created in 1966, it publishes innovative works, originating from academic research, by Brazilian and foreign authors. Edited by IESP-UERJ, it aims to reconcile scientific rigor and academic excellence with an emphasis on public debate based on the analysis of substantive issues of society and politics.
Dados vol. 45 n. 1 Rio de Janeiro 2002
Abstract
To date, political scientists have argued that Brazilians' attitudes about neoliberal reforms play no role in mass political behavior or political assessments. In this paper, I provide evidence that Brazilians do politicize economic policy debates. Data from a January 1998 survey demonstrate that mass attitudes about privatization, foreign direct investment and free trade influenced citizens' evaluations of the Fernando Henrique Cardoso presidency. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the conventional wisdom that less educated Brazilians are less rational and coherent when it comes to evaluating their president.
Keywords: economic policy, neoliberal reforms, political assessments, political behavior, electorate
DOI: 10.1590/S0011-52582002000100003
Free-Market Reform and Presidential Approval: The Politicization of Economic Policy Debates in Brazil
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