Accountability social in the quality of democracy. A discussion of contributions and challenges of comparative politics.

This article is a critical reflection on the studies of the quality of democracy in Latin America and the way it is introduced the social accountability as variable. From a comparative explanation of different quality levels on the continent, we highlight the importance of an expanded definition which involves social participation, because the available data show that the perception of corruption and abuse of power deteriorate democracy. Finally, we review both conceptual and methodologically how social participation and an indicator of associations leaves aside dimensions as the judicialization of politics, media scandals, institutional intermediaries and street protests, which we expose from specialized studies on social accountability.