Austrian corporatism is in retreat. Created to represent ''material'' interests, it can not accomodate the rise of ''new politics'' issues. Quantitative and qualitative analysis provides strong evidence that corporatist institutions have fallen behind the social modernization of Austria during the past twenty years. In contrast, the Austrian parliament is becoming more influential. The ''private'' functional (corporatist) bodies, often considered to be undemocratic, are losing influence, while ''public'' institutions such as political parties and parliament are gaining power in originating, shaping and influencing legislation.