RT Journal Article T1 Associative linkages of political parties in Latin America: the role of ideology A1 Ruiz Rodríguez, Leticia María A1 Otero-Felipe, Patricia A1 Barreda, Mikel AB 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. PB Springer Nature SN 2047-7422 YR 2025 FD 2025-08-20 LK https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/132130 UL https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/132130 LA eng NO Otero-Felipe, P., Ruiz Rodríguez, L.M. & Barreda, M. Associative linkages of political parties in Latin America: the role of ideology. Int Groups Adv (2025). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41309-025-00251-z DS Docta Complutense RD 17 mar 2026