Relações entre representação e participação no Conselho Municipal de Saúde do Rio de Janeiro: Segmento dos usuários, 2013-2014

Abstract

This article analyzes the influence of “Representative Configuration” of the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Council (CMS) on user counselor performance. Representative Configuration is defined as being a combination of two institutional rule axes: Axis 1 consists of eligibility and involvement rules, and Axis 2, of representation rules. The theoretical discussion was centered on the relationship between Representation and Involvement in its contemporary democratic context, and specifically relates to the Municipal Health Council (CMS). The study method focused on Participative Observation, Interviews, and Document Analysis. The results show that the district counsel representatives act based on the mandate of those they represent, since they create close ties with these institutions, whereas municipal counselors are more likely to lean towards autonomy in their representation, resulting in weaker ties with these bodies. The representatives’ mandate-based posture is combined with a more in-depth involvement in meetings and greater expression of their represented citizens’ interests.