Populism as concept: theory and history of the interpretations

Abstract

The literature refers to populism to qualify both political parties and non-institutionalized political movements, but also extends it to a certain type of economic policy, even if it is comparing governments of different shades and with very diversified economic policies and practices. Such polysemy of the concept can be attributed, in part, because authors use it with different objectives and also to designate different phenomena, with implications in the formulation and/or execution of economic policies. This way, the purpose of this paper is to investigate four aspects central to the study of populism. First, the origins of the concept. Second, its distinct analytical dimensions. Third, the instruments of the production of thought that support the analysis of populism. Finally, how these intellectual instruments help to forge pejorative interpretations of the so-called “populists’ experiences”, as well as presenting difficulties in capturing the relationship between populism and economic crises. To do so, we review the literature on the interpretations of populism paying attention to its intellectual ground and context. By doing this, we intend to contribute to the construction of a new research agenda on populism as a phenomenon in modern societies.