The power of families in politics: from relatives to family-based networks

Abstract

This article analyzes the theoretical and methodological issues of using the concept of relatives in the study of governing bodies. First, this is about counterpointing the analyses that are based on the notion of great families and those centered in the family-based network, founded in the concept of extended family and relatives. Then, it describes the weight of the alliances system to understand the emergence and transformation conditions of family-based networks of the political elite of Sergipe. The results highlight the heuristic value of the concept of relatives for understanding the formation conditions and dynamics of governing bodies.

Keywords:
Governing bodies; Political elites; Relatives; Family-based networks