I love Córdoba, I pay my taxes. The tax issue as a core of political involvement of the elites in the social structure of Córdoba

Abstract

Sociological studies on participation of business elites in political realms during the 21st century have documented trends towards fragmentation and limited coordination among business agents. This article demonstrates that, alongside the institutional and corporate net that binds business entities, there are mechanisms for symbolic agglomeration of elites. Among these mechanisms, political engagement concerning taxation issues as a moral and economic threat plays a prominent role.

What position does taxation occupy (and has occupied throughout the 21st century) in the involvement of business elites in political disputes and public debates? What assessments of the state and distributive dilemmas are brought into play in such involvement?

To address these questions, our study employs a mixed-methodological design. First, we use current national and international statistical data to map the redistributive preferences of the elites compared to other positions within the social structure. Secondly, we conduct a qualitative analysis of a variety of field materials to understand how the symbolic mechanism of taxation issues articulates both the necessity and mechanisms of political involvement and the structuring of common diagnostics about the state and public sector among business elites in the province of Córdoba.