Populism: From intruder to a relevant problem to social science

Abstract

This research note emphasizes the importance of populist phenomenon for social analysis and why is necessary to go beyond its consideration as an intruder of democracy. Further, three recent books on populist phenomenon are revised highlighting their differences related to its foundations, social nature and political consequences, as well as its limitations by not considering with necessary depth its sociological and historical roots. It is concluded that the populist phenomenon is intrinsic to democracy, a consequence of complex changes related to historical periods of transition to new ways of production, consumption and life styles to whom the democratic systems do not give effective answer because of institutional inertias or blockages.