BUREAUCRACY AS AN ELITE: THE MISSING LINK IN STUDIES ON GOVERNMENTAL ELITES IN CHILE

Abstract

The aim of this study is to contribute to the construction of a theoretical framework for the subject of public bureaucracy as a political elite in Chile. Through an analysis of their political status and political roles, this research explores the mechanisms used by medium-high level bureaucrats to exert influence in the formulation of public policies. This article analyzes the public management modernization policy (1990-2014). The analysis of interviews with 78 different actors of this policy makes it possible to see the influence middle-level bureaucrats have thanks to their special type of expertise (public policy expertise) that has to do with the career structure, the high level of politicization of Chilean bureaucracy and the type of tasks that are carried out, which would conform a sort of special capital of bureaucrats: the bureaucratic capital