Green values in the 2010 Brazilian elections : an application of Inglehart's postmaterial theory to the Partido Verde in Brazil.

Abstract

This study examines the emergence of green values in Brazil through a case study of the Partido Verde in the 2010 elections. With Inglehart’s thesis on postmaterial values as a point of departure, I set out to demonstrate that his theorization on the emergence of green and postmaterial values based on industrial growth and economic security is not satisfying as an explanation in the Brazilian case. Through the presentation of the Brazilian environmental movement and a description of the Partido Verdes emergence, I am aiming to give an account of the factors contributing to the development of green values in Brazil. The Partido Verde emerges at the end of the military regime with the return of exiled intellectuals inspired by Western ideas combined with an environmental movement largely based on grassroots organizations. The composition of the PV’s electorate in the 2010 elections – appearing as a combination of postmaterialists, environmentalists, evangelists and protest-voters, further contributes to the illustration of Inglehart’s thesis as only partially applicable to the Brazilian case.