The main goal of this paper is to point to the most salient characteristics of classical conceptualizations of the processes of democratic transition and consolidation in Latin America, discussing the notions of democracy implicit therein and putting forth various objections and critique. I attempt to demonstrate the need for a less limited and "conformist" conception of democracy that can allow us to more stringently observe and judge contemporary Latin American democracies in terms of quality, social density and popular legitimacy.
democracy; political transition; democratic theory; consolidation of democracy; Latin America