Associative linkages of political parties in Latin America: the role of ideology

Abstract

This article analyses the linkages between political parties and social organizations in Latin America, by highlighting the role of ideology in these relations. Using data from the Political Representation, Executives, and Political Parties Survey (PREPS), it shows that, despite the discrediting and crisis of legitimacy of parties in the region, which suggests a distancing from society, linkages with social associations continue to be widespread. The findings also show that ideology significantly influences the direction and intensity of these linkages: left-wing parties privilege relations with trade unions and women’s or ethnic organizations, while right-wing parties associate with business and religious groups. The analysis also stresses the importance of other partisan and contextual factors. Specifically, larger, clientelist and older parties are more likely to build stable relationships with social organizations. Moreover, factors such as electoral competition and volatility shape these dynamics.