Social, not economic, issues divide Brazilian politics

Significance

The recent furore over the bill highlights the degree to which ‘social’, rather than economic, issues increasingly define the ideological battle lines in Brazilian politics. Today, these are framed as a contest between a centre-left embracing the ‘diversity and inclusion’ agenda and a far-right aligned with many evangelical Christians to promote a socially conservative agenda.

Impacts

• Social media savviness is a crucial advantage for the conservative camp.
• The far right has left little room for a pro-market, socially liberal centre-right.
• Policies for economic inclusion will not guarantee electoral success for the centre-left.