Journal Articles

Theories of Policy Diffusion: Social Sector Reform in Brazil

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Brazil's democratic constitution granted municipalities responsibility to design and implement social policies,
allowing for tailored programs to meet local constituent demands. Yet instead of pursuing local diversity,
many governments chose to emulate programs made famous elsewhere. What explains the diffusion of
social programs across Brazil? This article investigates whether policy makers are motivated by political self-interest, ideology, or socialized norms. It draws on an event history analysis of two innovative programs that have diffused throughout Brazil's largest cities: Bolsa Escola, an education program, and Programa Saúde da Família, a family health program. The author argues that political incentives, such as electoral competition, cannot explain diffusion. Rather, diffusion occurs when left-of-center mayors are ideologically compelled to enact these programs and when public officials with connections to professional networks are socialized to follow professional norms.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Comparative Political Studies

Call Number

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Publisher

California : Sage Publications., 2008

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0010-4140

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 41, No. 2, February 2008. Page 193-216

Subject(s)

Decentralization
Policy diffusion
Social sector reform
Brazil
Motivations
Theories of Policy Diffusion

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