Welfare Policy and Electoral Politics in the Global South

This panel hopes to analyse the interface between democratic politics and welfare policy in the Global South. Theoretical and/or empirical oriented papers are welcome.
Rise in democratic competition in many countries in the Global South has played an important role in the adoption of citizen-oriented social protection policies. Voters tend to be supportive of a government providing sound welfare service delivery and have positive evaluation of the leadership that has a concern for the poor. Political parties, in turn, formulate policies in order to respond to the voices of citizens. The size and vulnerability of this group has made them politically significant and electorally salient. They seem to have found a new political space through political parties to negotiate and assert their claims on the state. Perceptions of deservingness, programmatic commitments and accountability structures have become new buzzwords in citizen party linkages. A direct link between political representation and welfare policy has emerged. The beneficiaries seem to be asking for better delivery of services, rather than passively accepting a patronage. The opportunity to participate in the policy process gives the marginalized a new status and power. Major political parties become sensitive to this new environment and tweak their mobilization strategy accordingly. Policy choices on welfare could be explained by the reciprocal relationship between public opinion and party competition. The generous response to the needs of citizens has potential to foster social citizenship and promote an inclusive political culture.