Description
Political parties, democracy and social change
Book summary
This work offers a rigorous analysis of the need for the transformation of political parties in contemporary democracies. The authors, José Félix Tezanos and César Luena, maintain that, just as in the past there was an evolution from the cadre party to the mass party, today it is essential to move towards a new model of a democratic, participatory party. The book examines the renewal of social democracy, the consolidation of social and economic citizenship, and advocates for greater citizen involvement in political decision-making, based on the premise that today's citizenry no longer accepts policies imposed without their consent.
What is it about?
The work addresses the challenge posed by the crisis of political representation and the disconnect between traditional parties and the citizenry. The authors propose that parties must overcome their obsolete structures to adapt to a more demanding and participatory society. It analyzes the transformations necessary to move from a hierarchical and centralized model to a more open, transparent, and horizontal one, where the voices of members and supporters have real weight. Likewise, it delves into the need to renew the social democratic ideology to respond to the challenges of the 21st century, such as inequality, globalization, and the ecological crisis, and defends the expansion of social and economic rights as the basis of full citizenship.
Main themes
- Transformation of political parties towards democratic and participatory models.
- Renewal of social democracy in the face of 21st-century challenges.
- Consolidation of social and economic citizenship as a democratic pillar.
- Citizen participation in political decision-making.
- Crisis of representation and new forms of political organization.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at students and professionals in political science, sociology, and constitutional law, as well as political leaders, public officials, and individuals interested in the renewal of democracy and the internal functioning of parties. It is also of great use to readers who seek to understand the causes of political disaffection and the possible ways to strengthen citizen participation.
What this book provides
- An updated analysis of the deficiencies of political parties and the paths toward their internal democratization.
- Concrete proposals for the renewal of social democratic thought in the current context.
- A well-founded reflection on the role of the citizenry in building a more participatory and representative democracy.
- Keys to understanding the historical evolution of party models and their necessary adaptation to the 21st century.
Technical specifications
- Author: Tezanos Tortajada, José Félix; Luena López, César
- Publisher: Biblioteca Nueva
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Literary essays, political science and theory
- Collection: 21st Century Dossier
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: May 2017
- Number of pages: 200
- Weight: 247 g
Editorial review
This is a timely and necessary work at a time of growing citizen discontent with institutional politics. The authors combine academic rigor with a practical perspective, offering an accurate diagnosis of the problems of parties and outlining a viable horizon for reform. The book will be especially valuable for those seeking to understand the internal dynamics of political organizations and the conditions for a more authentic and participatory democracy.