Democracy, social rights and participation

Abstract

This article examines the interplay between democratization, social rights, and political participation in Portugal. It first explores how political participation has been marked by low levels and persistent inequalities, and then how, since 2010, austerity and the retrenchment of social rights have reshaped protest repertoires and broadened participation without, however, breaking with established patterns of inequality. The article further argues that protest has focused on defending social rights and the democratic legacy of the April 25th revolution, highlighting the tensions between political disaffection and emerging dynamics of collective action.