Abstract
Over the past two decades, Latin America has been home to a large number of experiences in local participatory governance. Drawing on spatial conceptualisations of participation and models of state–society synergy, this article explores how power dynamics within and between civil society and the state have shaped the emergence, evolution and outcomes of participatory budgeting processes in three Latin American cities: Porto Alegre, Montevideo and Mexico City. In line with polity-centred analyses, the study supports the fundamental role played by the state in opening spaces of participatory governance in all three cases. These participatory experiences had a transformative effect on societal spaces and actors contributing to the mobilisation and democratisation of civil society. In turn, increasing activism by an autonomous and politically conscious citizenry boosted the efficiency, transparency and legitimacy of the polity and the local institutions of representative democracy.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
