The evidence of the legitimation crisis regarding the hegemonic model of democracy that reduces the exercise of political power to the state sphere and to elections has led to a reflection about contemporary democracy. From the criticism to the representative democracy, the aim of this text is to contribute to the reflection on the limits and possibilities of exercising participative democracy. The author begins by presenting institutional arrangements and democratic practices in Brazil, focusing on urban policies. Next, the author assesses the process of developing Social Housing Policy in the State of Bahia (Pehis), especially during the period of 2006 to 2011,highlightingthe ambiguities and obstacles to popular participation in its development and implementation.
right to the city; participative democracy; public administration; public policy council; social housing policy
