Renewing politics or more of the same? Comparing newcomers and traditional politicians in Latin American legislatures

Abstract

Do newcomers, also known as outsiders, think differently than traditional politicians in Latin American legislatures? We approach this question from an individual perspective, especially relevant in the personalist context of Latin America. We use interviews carried out in the current decade with up to 1,115 legislators in 17 countries. We look at opinions related to the perception of corruption as a problem in the country, same-sex marriage, and State regulation of the economy. Our work confirms the existence of a difference between newcomers and traditional politicians, even though it is only marginal. It goes against the common sense that points out at a clearer divide.

Keywords

• outsiders en política
• élites parlamentarias
• matrimonio igualitario
• regulación de la economía
• percepción de la corrupción