Profiles of elected for federative representation

careers and social context of senators (1999-2006)

Abstract

Analyzing the social backgrounds and career trajectories of Senators sworn into office between 1999 and 2006, this study describes the profiles of those who rose to the Federal Senate. It differs from studies on political recruitment by examining profession, educational attainment, and political experience in an integrated manner. A total of 135 Senators, including full senators and alternates, from the 51st and 52nd Legislatures were analyzed, based on biographical profiles provided by the Federal Senate and biographies from the DHBB database of FGV/CPDOC. During this period, the Senate was dominated by the MDB, DEM, PSDB, and PT, with three socio-occupational profiles identified as corresponding to the ideological niches of the left, center, and right. Cluster analyses indicated that, although the regional distribution of Senate seats influences party caucuses, career length better explains their similarities and differences, particularly in relation to the number of alternates, former members of the Chamber of Deputies, and former governors and mayors. PT Senators had less political experience and were more likely to have professional backgrounds in education, whereas in the other parties, professionals from the liberal professions and public servants predominated.