Can we speak of a "state patronage"? Liturgies and misthophoria in classical Athens

Abstract

This paper intends to discuss the characterization of certain practices of patronage in classical Athens as forms of "state patronage". The definition of the polis as a state may be questioned. The political relations of democracy, expression of the demos power, did not allow the exclusive monopoly of coercion. Consequently, there was no separation between civil society and political society, nor was there a political apparatus that was distinguished in its exercise upon those who are the sovereign body. Thus the existence of patronage relationships seems to fall in tension between the mechanisms of reciprocity and redistribution that the elite members usufruct as a way to acquire prestige and political support within their community, and people’s demands, who can implement them in their favor