State and privatization: A sociological discussion, a political issue

Abstract

The late twentieth century was marked by a global movement for State reform, mainly occurring in those countries considered developing, presenting propositions and guidelines of the multilateral agencies and international organizations in connection with local actors in attendance. The reform package was oriented toward what we call market-oriented reforms, that is, “shifting” economic sectors of potential profit to the private sector. Moreover, reforms in state administration also enter the political agenda as an important foundation. From a historical-structural approach and strategy we point out parts of the debate about, on the one hand, the strategies to overcome the crisis of the state and, on the other hand, about the establishment of a new development strategy, going through the redefinition of the role of the state in promoting economic and social development.