Caciquismo and Coronelismo: Contextual Dimensions of Patron Brokerage in Mexico and Brazil

Abstract

This article began by noting the lack of systematic comparative analyses of the sociopolitical entrepreneurs operating under caciquismo and coronelismo. Different research strategies seemed to have been applied to the study of caciquismo and coronelismo. Most scholars working on Brazilian data have focused their attention on relatively clear-cut (for example, coalitional) variations of coronelismo, while these studying caciquismo in Mexico have concentrated on a wider range of factors, such as styles of leadership of caciques and related patron-brokers or the contents of clientelistic exchanges expressed through these relations. This analysis has discussed the forms of clientelistic articulation shared by caciquismo and coronelismo while highlighting the striking differences in other aspects caused by the interplay of both patron-brokerage patterns within the institutional contexts of Mexico and Brazil. The position of Brazilian coroneis, anchored within the institutional framework, was regulated by behavioral definitions to a greater extent than was true of Mexican caciques. Accordingly, the characterizations and images of coroneis are relatively consistent. In contrast, more manipulation and evaluative variance occurred regarding Mexican caciques. In a sense, this ambivalence exacerbated the instability of these clientelistic networks, which are fragile despite their systemic pervasiveness. Several implications derive from this study. Although methodological issues can be mentioned here only briefly.?" in the approach adopted in discussing the Mexican variants of patron brokerage, I discarded the research strategy that uses vernacular labels and metaphors such as cacique as if they were substantive and universal correlates of the same observable phenomena. Instead, I initially opted for identifying social relationships that share an intrinsic structural dynamic. Subsequently, however, attention was given to other features of such relationships-their coercive or lenient character, short- or long-term reciprocity, and perceived fluidity-factors that, being closer to ordinary discourse, are associated with ambiguities and polivalent attitudes of those involved. These characteristics were treated as variables differentiating instances of patron brokerage, rather than as generic traits shaping definitional conceptualizations. This methodological approach seems particularly relevant when networks are not clear-cut and ties may fade into one another, as in the ambiguity or fluidity analyzed in the Mexican case. 11 On the substantive, structural level-and beyond its specific comparative contribution-this study stresses that the patterns of control exercised by these entrepreneurs and elites may be conducive to the reproduction of the social system. At the same time, the study indicates that this stabilizing effect may be disrupted by concomitant processes of development, and especially by a reformulation of alliances and coalitions. The varied impact of these somewhat contradictory tendencies constitutes a major challenge for systematic studies of clientelism in general and of patron brokerage in Latin America in particular.12