The article analyses the building process of local public spheres in three towns in the state of Minas Gerais, taking into account four basic elements: the media, the state Legislative Chamber, the organised social circles and the elementary means of communication. As a result of this comparative study, we are drawn to ponder on the role of public pressure in linking the informative socio-cultural reproductive process with the institutional strengthening of democracy.
Democratization; Public sphere; Civil society; Political participation; Social mouvements