A Two-Dimensional Typology of Latin American Political Parties

Abstract

T HROUGHOUT RECENT DECADES important changes have taken place in Latin America that appear to have altered aspects of political party competition. The growth of the middle class, urbanization, industrialization, greater literacy, better means of communication, and a higher standard of living all have had deep and vital impacts upon Latin American society in general and upon political parties in particular. It may be too early to speak of a newly-acquired accommodating attitude in politics, but obviously there has been a shift in public attitudes, political activity, and governmental concerns. The important issues of the day vary from those of pre-World War II years, as does the general mood of the political participants. It is difficult to pinpoint the change, but it becomes noticeable when we approach political party activities in the past decade. The more dynamic, larger, more industrialized, wealthier Latin American nations are maturing both politically and economically. They have generally overcome severe internal crises and have lived through deep disturbances to their social fabric. Latin American development, partially evident from social, economic and political modernization indices,2 has engendered a spirit of political incre-