The impact of 30 years of neo-liberal reforms in the public perception of the relationship between democracy and human welfare in Costa Rica

Abstract

This research discusses the current perceptions of the notion of democracy and human development in Costa Rica, taking into account the effects generated by the neoliberal economic reforms applied in the past thirty years. This was achieved through an analysis in two dimensions: first the conception and notion of democracy that Costa Ricans manage today, and secondly, if this notion of democracy includes specific demands in terms of human development and general welfare, in other words, what are the democratic principles and contents that the Costa Ricans consulted consider democracy should have for it to be legitimized by the people.