The Basis of Support for Hugo Chávez: Measuring the Determinants of Presidential Job Approval in Venezuela

Since 1999, Venezuela has experienced a dramatic transformation of its political system with the coming to power of Hugo Chávez and his movement, known in Venezuela as Chavismo. Chávez has dismantled the previous political system and established neo-populist structures that rely on his personal appeal and the close collaboration of the armed forces. Chávez has relied heavily on significant support from the poor and those who felt economically and politically excluded by the “Punto Fijo system.” President Chávez has built an impressive record of electoral victories; winning every electoral contest except one since coming to power in 1999. He continues to receive relatively high levels of support among sectors of Venezuelan society. However, there is evidence of growing discontent with high crime rates, high levels of inflation, and significant corruption in the public administration. Using data from the AmericasBarometer surveys conducted in 2007, 2008 and 2010, this paper seeks to examine the basis of Chávez’s popular support. In general, the AmericasBarometer findings suggest that Venezuelans support for President Chávez is closely linked to the access to social programs and that as long as the government is able to fund these social programs or missions, particularly MERCAL and Barrio Adentro, it will possess an important tool to garner and sustain support for President Chávez. Our analysis, however, also indicates that evaluations of the national economic situation, more than crime or insecurity, are a key factor that could undermine support for the regime.

Precompetition dietary practices of competitive male and female bodybuilders

A comprehensive analysis of precompetition dietary beliefs and behaviors of competitive bodybuilders has yet to be documented in the literature. The purposes of this study were (a) to quantify and document types of supplements competitive male and female bodybuilders consume, (b) to document how much money they spend on them each month, (c) to describe what dietary modifications and behaviors they follow in preparation for a contest and (d) to describe their nutrition beliefs associated with these habits. Three hundred and nine competitive male and female bodybuilders completed questionnaires regarding their precompetition dietary practices. It was found that bodybuilders consume a wide variety of supplements and use a multitude of dietary training practices which vary depending on the training phase. A large percentage of bodybuilders agreed with statements on supplement use and training practices that are unsubstantiated by scientific research.