Resumo

CABRAL NETO, Antônio. Democracy: old and new controversies. Estud. psicol. (Natal) [online]. 1997, vol.2, n.2, pp. 287-312. ISSN 1413-294X.

In this article the author searches for clarification of essential elements around the theme democracy. He analyses fragments of old democracy, the origin and evolution of modern democracy, making clear its relationship with liberalism. He also discusses the relationship between democracy and social well being in countries of advanced capitalism and Brazil. The conclusion identifies the need for the expansion of democracy, articulating its political, economic and cultural dimensions. This would imply in an organised linking of the social actors to political and administrative processes, as well as the access of the population to goods, both cultural and educational.

Palavras-chave : Democracy; Politics; Participation; Freedom; Exclusion.