The Social Underpinnings of Political Discontent in Latin America

Why are Latin Americans increasingly disillusioned with democracy, even as the region has made social progress? This book examines the paradox of widespread political discontent amid improvements in poverty reduction, education, and expanded rights. It shows how rising expectations and broken promises have generated social frustration and political reactions, which take two different forms: they can target all political elites (vertical discontent) or focus on opposing political coalitions (horizontal discontent). Each form poses unique challenges for democracy. Bringing together leading scholars in sociology and political science from Latin America and the United States, the volume offers a multidisciplinary and comparative perspective on the drivers of democratic erosion. Drawing on empirical case studies and a shared analytical framework, the book sheds light on the tensions between democratic aspirations and lived experiences, making it a valuable resource for understanding the forces reshaping Latin America's political landscape and the broader erosion of democracy.