Living Wages and their Influence on Democratic Participation in Brazil

Abstract

After identifying poverty and inequality as deterrent factors for the effective democratic participation for the Brazilian population, this thesis analyses the effects of the flawed democratic participation on Brazil's political class, population and institutions. Further on, theories are used to analyse the Brazilian electoral incoherencies. Recalling how redistributive measures have been applied in Brazil during the Partido dos Trabalhadores era, helps to summarize and to better understand the cycle of inequality perpetuation in Latin America and in Brazil. The taxation system in Brazil is criticized and poverty is analysed according to the World Bank poverty line. The concept of Living Wages is presented together with a calculation methodology that can be used to establish and define wages that guarantee decent lives. An example Living Wage in Brazil is discussed, giving way to the ’ conclusions with the argumentations in favour of an increasing minimum wage. By having as goal, the Living Wage, such public policy can - in the long-term - better the state of the Brazilian democracy by improving democratic participation.