Representatives and dominants: Rulers and class relations in Portugal [Representantes e dominantes: Os governantes e as relações de classe em Portugal]

Abstract

This article discusses the relationships established between capital owners and the groups of rulers and former rulers, embracing a critical perspective capable of enhancing the State's role in the definition of economic power. Special attention is given to the cooptation process, an analysis that includes data on 776 rulers who occupied 1281 positions in the 19 constitutional governments (1976-2014).