scispace - formally typeset
Search or ask a question

Showing papers in "Revista de Sociologia e Política in 2003"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: GARLAND, 2001, p. 2, the authors argues that a modernidade tardia, esse distintivo padrão de relações sociais, econômicas e culturais, trouxe consigo um conjunto de riscos, inseguranças, and problemas de controle social that deram uma configuração específica às nossas respostas ao crime, ao garantir os altos custos das
Abstract: Nos últimos trinta trinta anos, houve profundas mudanças na forma como compreendemos o crime e a justiça criminal. O crime tornou-se um evento simbólico, um verdadeiro teste para a ordem social e para as políticas governamentais, um desafio para a sociedade civil, para a democracia e para os direitos humanos. Segundo David Garland, professor da Faculdade de Direito da New York University, um dos principais autores no campo da Sociologia da Punição e com artigo publicado na Revista de Sociologia e Política , número 13, na modernidade tardia houve uma verdadeira obsessão securitária, direcionando as políticas criminais para um maior rigor em relação às penas e maior intolerância com o criminoso. Há trinta anos, nos EUA e na Inglaterra essa tendência era insuspeita. O livro mostra que os dois países compartilham intrigantes similaridades em suas práticas criminais, a despeito da divisão racial, das desigualdades econômicas e da letalidade violenta que marcam fortemente o cenário americano. Segundo David Garland, encontram-se nos dois países os “mesmos tipos de riscos e inseguranças, a mesma percepção a respeito dos problemas de um controle social não-efetivo, as mesmas críticas da justiça criminal tradicional, e as mesmas ansiedades recorrentes sobre mudança e ordem sociais”1 (GARLAND, 2001, p. 2). O argumento principal da obra é o seguinte: a modernidade tardia, esse distintivo padrão de relações sociais, econômicas e culturais, trouxe consigo um conjunto de riscos, inseguranças e problemas de controle social que deram uma configuração específica às nossas respostas ao crime, ao garantir os altos custos das políticas criminais, o grau máximo de duração das penas e a excessivas taxas de encarceramento.

2,183 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine the relationship between democracy, political culture and social capital in Brazil and conclude that Brazilians are weak on ability to cooperate, which may explain low rates of political participation and consequent democratic instability.
Abstract: Este artigo examina a relacao entre democracia, cultura politica e capital social no Brasil. O tema e abordado de maneira compreensiva, pois acredita-se que esses conceitos interagem permanentemente. No caso brasileiro e possivel, entretanto, identificar alguns fatores que historicamente tem incidido na configuracao de um tipo de cultura politica, de carater hibrido, que mistura posturas favoraveis a democracia e predisposicoes negativas em relacao as instituicoes politicas. Esse mal-estar, argumenta-se, nao e conjuntural nem temporario, mas de carater estrutural e danoso para o fortalecimento democratico. Em tal cenario o desenvolvimento do capital social, aumentaria, pratica e teoricamente, o poder dos cidadaos permitindo-lhes maior insercao e participacao na arena politica. Sao utilizados como fonte dados de pesquisas qualitativas e quantitativas coletados no Rio Grande do Sul no periodo de 1974 a 2000. Os resultados do estudo sugerem uma ausencia de capacidade cooperativa entre os brasileiros, o que poderia explicar os deficits de participacao politica e a consequente instabilidade democratica. Abstract This article examines the relationship between democracy, political culture and social capital in Brazil. The topic is approached comprehensively, based on the belief that the above concepts are in permanent interaction. In the Brazilian case, however, it is possible to identify several factors that have historically had a impact on the configuration of a type of political culture, hybrid in nature, that brings together attitudes that are favorable to democracy and negative toward political institutions. It is argued that this problem is neither temporary nor conjunctural; rather, it is structural and poses difficulties for strengthening democracy. Within such a scenario the development of social capital would increase citizens' power, in theory and practice, allowing them wider participation in the political arena. Data used here are based on quantitative and qualitative research carried out in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, between 1974 and 2000. Study results suggest that Brazilians are weak on ability to cooperate, which may explain low rates of political participation and consequent democratic instability. Resume Cet article examine le rapport entre democracie, culture politique et capital social au Bresil. Le theme est traite de facon comprehensive car sans doute ces concepts interagissent en permanence. Dans le cas bresilien, il est possible de reconnaitre quelques facteurs qui se produisent historiquement dans la configuration d'un type de culture politique, a caractere hybride, et qui reunit des positions favorables a la democracie et des tendances negatives a l'egard des institutions politiques. Ce malaise, affirme-t-on, n'est conjoncturel ni transitoire, mais plutot structurel et nuisible a l'affermissement democratique. Dans ce cadre, le developpement du capital social intensifierait, dans la pratique et theoriquement, le pouvoir des citoyens. Il leur permettrait de s'inserer davantage dans la vie politique et d'y participer. On utilise des donnees relevees lors des recherches qualitatives et quantitatives menees dans l'etat de Rio Grande do Sul, de 1974 a 2000. Les resultats de cette etude montrent qu'il manque aux Bresiliens la capacite cooperative, ce qui expliquerait les deficits de participation politique et par consequent l'instabilite democratique.

61 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the trajectory of federal representatives elected in four legislatures, observing the strength and limitations of the influence of mass media, paying closest attention to those who have been elected for the first time and without previous electoral and administrative experience.
Abstract: O artigo discute a estruturacao da carreira politica no Brasil, com atencao especial para os meios de comunicacao de massa. Na medida em que se tornou uma fonte crucial de producao de capital politico, os meios de comunicacao geram "atalhos" na carreira politica, permitindo que outsiders ganhem posicoes que, numa carreira fechada, so seriam acessiveis a integrantes experientes do campo politico, com ampla vivencia em cargos de menor importância. A luz dessa discussao, e examinada a trajetoria dos deputados federais eleitos em quatro legislaturas, observando a forca - e as limitacoes - da influencia dos meios de comunicacao, analisando-se mais atentamente aqueles deputados eleitos pela primeira vez e sem experiencia eleitoral e administrativa previa. O artigo conclui que, de modo geral, a exposicao nos meios de comunicacao e uma variavel importante, ainda que a atividade profissional originaria dos candidatos tambem seja uma variavel a considerar. Abstract This article looks at the way political careers are structured in Brazil, paying special attention to mass communications. To the extent that they have become a crucial source for the production of political capital, the mass media create "shortcuts" in a political career, enabling outsiders access to positions that, in a more closed race, would only be open to experienced members of the political field who are making their way up from wide experience in minor positions. In light of this discussion, we examine the trajectory of federal representatives elected in four legislatures, observing the strength - and the limitations - of the influence of mass media, paying closest attention to those who have been elected for the first time and without previous electoral and administrative experience. The article concludes that, generally speaking, exposure through mass communications is an important variable, although the candidates' original professional activity is also an important variable to consider. Resume L'article discute la structure de la carriere politique au Bresil et met en relief le role des moyens de communications massives. Comme les medias sont devenus une source cruciale de production de capital politique, ils favorisent des «raccourcis» dans la carriere politique et permettent que outsiders aient des positions qui ne seraient accessibles dans une carriere fermee qu'aux membres avertis du cadre politique et ayant une large experience dans des postes de moindre importance. Cette discussion nous aide a examiner la trajectoire des deputes nationaux elus a quatre reprises: on observe la force - et les limites - de l'influence des moyens de communication et on analyse avec attention les deputes elus pour la premiere fois et sans experience electorale et administrative. L'article conclut que souvent l'exposition aux moyens de communications est une variable importante, bien que l'activite professionnelle d'origine des candidats soit aussi une variable a etre prise en compte.

58 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors propose a theoretical inquiry into the possibilities for fomenting more sustainable local development through the strengthening of social networks and their progressive incorporation into local political and administrative processes.
Abstract: Face as crescentes criticas aos modelos predominantes de desenvolvimento voltados ou para solucoes de mercado ou para acoes estatais centralizadoras e impositivas, este trabalho propoe uma investigacao teorica das possibilidades de fomentar um desenvolvimento local mais sustentavel atraves do fortalecimento de redes sociais e sua insercao progressiva nos processos politico-administrativos locais. Partindo de uma leitura critica da concepcao do capital social, o artigo evidencia a importância de estrategias de desenho institucional capazes de mobilizar o capital social e garantir as comunidades locais acesso ao poder social e politico. Na sequencia, e considerando as condicoes sociais e politicas especificas do Brasil, o texto discute as possibilidades e dilemas do uso das novas tecnologias de informacao e comunicacao para revigorar processos de coordenacao social no âmbito das comunidades locais e para revitalizar a participacao comunitaria na gestao publica local. Por fim, discute-se o novo papel exigido pelos governos locais visando explorar de maneira efetiva a opcao comunitaria para promover o desenvolvimento sustentavel na emergente sociedade em rede. Abstract In light of the growing critiques of the prevailing development models which are oriented toward either market solutions or centralizing state actions, this paper proposes a theoretical inquiry into the possibilities for fomenting more sustainable local development through the strengthening of social networks and their progressive incorporation into local political and administrative processes. Starting from a critical interpretation of the notion of social capital, the article shows the importance of strategies of institutional design capable of mobilizing social capital and guaranteeing the access of local communities to political and social power. This is followed by a discussion which, considering the social and political conditions that are specific to Brazil, weighs the possibilities and dilemmas surrounding the use of new information and communication technologies within local communities, in terms of reactivating community participation in local public administration. Lastly, the new role that local governments demand is discussed, in an attempt to explore the communitarian option for promoting sustainable development in the emerging "network society". Resume Face aux multiples critiques des principaux modeles de developpement qui sont soit voues aux solutions de marche, soit voues aux actions centralisatrices et autoritaires de l'Etat, ce travail propose une recherche theorique sur les possibilites de stimuler le developpement local et soutenable grâce au renforcement des reseaux sociaux et leur insertion progressive dans les processus politico-administratif locaux. En s'appuyant sur une lecture critique de la conception du capital social, l'article met en relief l'importance des strategies d'origine institutionnelle qui sont capables d'animer le capital social et d'assurer aux communautes locales l'acces au pouvoir social et politique. Ensuite, compte tenu des conditions sociales et politiques particulieres au Bresil, le texte discute les possibilites et les enjeux de l'utilisation des nouvelles technologies de l'information et de la communication pour renforcer des processus de participation communautaire a la gestion publique locale. Enfin, on discute le nouveau role (esta estranho, novo papel de quem ?) exige par les gouvernements locaux visant l'exploitation de facon efficace de l'option communautaire pour promouvoir le developpement soutenable de la nouvelle societe en reseau.

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a theoretical and methodological discussion on the problems raised in Robert D. Putnam's Making Democracy Work, published in 1993, is presented, focusing specifically on the theoretical and empirical meanings of the concepts of "social capital" and "confidence".
Abstract: Este artigo empreende uma discussao de natureza teorico-metodologica da problematica levantada por Robert D. Putnam em Making Democracy Work, de 1993. Perseguindo tanto sua estrutura logica quanto afinidades analiticas com literatura anterior, o trabalho procura enfocar principalmente os significados teoricos e empiricos dos conceitos de "capital social" e "confianca". Conclui pela identificacao de uma agenda de pesquisa certamente promissora, mas patentemente "imatura", do ponto de vista tanto da operacionalizacao empirica da teoria quanto mesmo da especificacao analitica precisa do significado de suas categorias centrais. Abstract This article initiates a theoretical and methodological discussion on the problems raised in Robert D. Putnam's Making Democracy Work, published in 1993. Looking at its structural logic as well as its analytical affinities with earlier literature, the paper focuses specifically on the theoretical and empirical meanings of the concepts of "social capital" and "confidence". It concludes by identifying a research agenda that, while promising, is also evidently "immature", both from the point of view of the theory's empirical operationalization as well as in relation to a need for more precise analytical specification of the meaning of its central categories. Resume Cet article entame la discussion theorique et methodologique de la problematique entreprise par Robert D. Putnam dans Making Democracy Work, de 1993. Retracant sa structure logique et les affinites analytiques avec la litterature anterieure, le travail cherche a souligner les sens theoriques et empiriques des concepts de «capital social» et de «confiance». En guise de conclusion, ce travail identifie la possibilite de recherche certes prometteuse, mais «sans maturite», non seulement du point de vue de la mise en oeuvre empirique de la theorie, mais encore de la specification analytique du sens de ses categories centrales.

34 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors studied members of the major public policy management councils in the municipality of Curitiba (Conseil de Sante, Conseil de la Securite Sociale, CONSEIL du Travail et Conseils in Enfant et de l'Adolescente) in Brazil, focusing on the causal relationship between these institutions and the political culture of their members.
Abstract: Este artigo estuda os membros dos principais conselhos gestores de politicas publicas no municipio de Curitiba (Conselho de Saude, Conselho de Assistencia Social, Conselho do Trabalho e Conselho da Crianca e do Adolescente), no estado do Parana. Observamos que os grupos analisados possuem, em relacao a populacao brasileira em geral, maior quantidade de recursos de cultura politica e, portanto, de incentivos ao ativismo politico. Em seguida, discutimos duas questoes teoricas relativas a "cultura politica": primeiramente, analisamos o problema da relacao de causalidade existente entre essas instituicoes e a cultura politica dos seus membros: quanto a esse ponto, reconhecemos a importância dos efeitos institucionais sobre a cultura politica dos individuos e, ao mesmo tempo, o papel ativo que fatores externos as instituicoes analisadas exercem sobre a intensidade desses efeitos. Em segundo lugar, seguindo uma direcao alternativa aquela que predomina na literatura consagrada, analisamos a cultura politica como um recurso desigualmente distribuido entre os grupos que compoem as instituicoes analisadas e que, portanto, pode ser pensada como uma das bases da desigualdade politica. Abstract This article studies members of the major public policy management councils in the municipality of Curitiba (Councils of Health, Social Welfare, Labor and Council on Children and Youth), state of Parana. We observe that the groups studied have - in relation to the Brazilian population in general- a larger amount of political culture resources and therefore, more incentives for political activism. We then go on to discuss two theoretical questions related to "political culture". First, we look at the problem of the causal relationship between these institutions and the political culture of their members. In this regard, we recognize the importance of institutional effects on the political culture of individuals and at the same time, the active role that factors that are external to the institutions analyzed here have on the intensity of such effects. In the second place, following an alternative route to the one that is usually taken in the literature of the field, we look at political culture as a resource that is unequally distributed among the groups that make up the institutions studied here and that can therefore be considered one of the bases of political inequality. Resume Cet article etudie les membres des principaux conseils administratifs de politiques publiques dans la ville de Curitiba (Conseil de Sante, Conseil de la Securite Sociale, Conseil du Travail et Conseil de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent), dans l'etat du Parana. Nous avons observe que les groupes etudies possedent, par rapport a la population bresilienne d'une maniere generale, plus de recours de culture politique et par consequent plus d'encouragement a l'activisme politique. Ensuite, nous discutons les deux questions theoriques concernant la «culture politique»: d'abord, nous analysons le probleme de la relation de causalite qui existe entre ces institutions et la culture politique de ses membres: ici, nous reconnaissons l'importance des effets institutionnels sur la culture politique des individus et parallelement le role actif que des facteurs en dehors des institutions analysees exercent sur l'intensite de ces effets. Ensuite, en nous inspirant d'une direction alternative a celle qui predomine dans la litterature consacree, nous analysons la culture politique en tant que recours inegalement partage entre les groupes composant les institutions analysees et qui peut donc etre prise pour l'une des causes de l'inegalite politique.

32 citations




Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors test two different theoretical explanations for civic activism in Latin America, using data at the individual and aggregate levels, and find that the institutional framework of a country exercises more decisive influence on citizens' participation in civil society associations than does social capital.
Abstract: O artigo testa duas explicacoes teoricas distintas sobre o ativismo civico na America Latina usando dados nos niveis individual e agregado. Variaveis que operacionalizam conceitos-chave da teoria do capital social sao incluidas em um modelo multivariado que tambem incorpora indicadores empiricos da ideia de "estruturas de oportunidade politica" de Tarrow. O primeiro conjunto de variaveis enfoca o papel de variaveis como confianca interpessoal e tolerância na propensao de participacao em associacoes da sociedade civil. O segundo conjunto de variaveis centra-se nos incentivos criados por instituicoes formais do Estado para a acao coletiva na sociedade. Os dados da America Latina indicam que o arcabouco institucional de um pais exerce papel mais decisivo na participacao de cidadaos em associacoes da sociedade civil do que o capital social. Abstract This article tests two different theoretical explanations for civic activism in Latin America, using data at the individual and aggregate levels. Variables that operationalize key concepts from the theory of social capital are included in a multi-variate model that also incorporates empirical indicators for Tarrow's notion of "structures of political opportunities". The first group of variables focuses on the role of such variables as interpersonal confidence and tolerance as they affect the propensity to participate in civil society associations. The second group of variables is centered on the incentives for collective social action created by formal State institutions. Data on Latin America indicate that the institutional framework of a country exercises more decisive influence on citizens' participation in civil society associations than does social capital. Resume L'article verifie deux explications theoriques differentes sur l'activisme civique en Amerique Latine et il utilise des donnees concernant l'individuel et le collectif. Des variables travaillant les concepts-cles de la theorie du capital social sont introduites dans un modele multivarie qui comprend des indicateurs empiriques de la pensee «structures de l'opportunite politique» de Tarrow. Le premier groupe de variables met en relief le role des variables comme confiance interpersonnelle et tolerance dans la tendance a la participation a des associations de la societe. Le second groupe est centre sur les incentifs crees par des institutions officielles de l'Etat visant l'action collective au sein de la societe. Les donnees de l'Amerique Latine indiquent que le modele institutionnel d'un pays joue un role plus important sur la participation des citoyens dans des associations de la societe que le capital social.

30 citations



Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a series of multi-variate models meant to measure the effect of cultural factors -such as religious tradition, interpersonal confidence and law abidance - on levels of corruption in several countries, using non-governmental organizations' reputational evaluation of "International Transparency" as a dependent variable.
Abstract: Nos anos 1990, teoricos do capital social passaram a estabelecer uma conexao direta entre cultura politica e desempenho de instituicoes governamentais. Se tal relacao causal existe, entao deve ser possivel identificar fatores culturais associados a corrupcao. Neste artigo testamos essa hipotese em nivel mundial. Usando metodos quantitativos, desenvolvemos uma serie de modelos multivariados que visam medir o efeito de fatores culturais - tais como tradicao religiosa, confianca interpessoal e obediencia as leis - sobre o nivel de corrupcao em varios paises, usando a avaliacao reputacional da organizacao nao-governamental Transparencia Internacional como a variavel dependente. O artigo mostra que o nivel de corrupcao em um determinado pais e essencialmente uma funcao do tipo de regime politico e do nivel de desenvolvimento economico. Entretanto, algumas caracteristicas culturais agregam poder explicativo aos modelos, contextualizando as interpretacoes macroeconomicas e macropoliticas da corrupcao. Abstract In the 1990's, theorists of social capital were led to establishing a direct connection between political culture and the performance of governmental institutions. If such a causal relationship does in fact exist, then it should be possible to identify the cultural factors that are associated with corruption. In this article we test this hypothesis at a world level. Using quantitative methods, we develop a series of multi-variate models meant to measure the effect of cultural factors - such as religious tradition, interpersonal confidence and law abidance - on levels of corruption in several countries, using non-governmental organizations' reputational evaluation of "International Transparency" as a dependent variable. This article shows that the level of corruption in a particular country is essentially an attribute of the type of political regime and level of economic development. However, certain cultural characteristics lend explanatory power to these models, thus contextualizing macroeconomic and macropolitical interpretations of corruption. Resume Dans les annees 1990, des theoriciens du capital social commencerent a etablir des liens directs entre culture politique et performance des instituitions gouvernementales. Si tel lien causal existe, il est donc possible d'identifier les facteurs culturels associes a la corruption. Dans cet article, nous verifions cette hypothese a l'echelle mondiale. En nous servant des methodes quantitatives, nous developpons des modeles multivaries visant a mesurer l'effet de facteurs culturels - tels que la tradition religieuse, la confiance interpersonnelle et l'obeissance aux lois - sur le niveau de corruption dans plusieurs pays. A cet effet nous utilisons l'evaluation de la renommee de l'organisation non-gouvernementale Transparence Internationale en variable dependante. L'article montre que le niveau de corruption dans un pays existe notamment en fonction du type de systeme politique et du niveau de developpement economique. Neanmoins, certaines caracteristiques culturelles permettent aux modeles de mieux expliquer le phenomene lorsqu'elles creent un contexte aux interpretations macro-economiques et macropolitiques de la corruption.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze the positions on foreign policy adopted by the Partido dos Trabalhadores and by the presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from the Party's founding in the early 1980s, through the 1989 elections and then the election victory in 2002.
Abstract: O presente artigo analisa as posicoes de politica externa assumidas pelo Partido dos Trabalhadores e pelo candidato presidencial Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, desde a fundacao do Partido, no inicio dos anos 1980, passando pelas eleicoes de 1989, ate o pleito vitorioso de 2002. Destacam-se os temas basicos do programa partidario e sua evolucao gradual em direcao a uma postura mais proxima da forma tradicional de atuacao da diplomacia profissional, caracterizada pelo multilateralismo juridicista, gradualista e pacifista. Alem disso, examina as principais questoes da agenda diplomatica brasileira - especialmente as economicas e comerciais -, as negociacoes e a discussao dos limites e possibilidades de inovacao nesse terreno, concluindo pela preservacao das grandes linhas de continuidade na politica externa brasileira no governo atual. Abstract This article analyzes the positions on foreign policy adopted by the Partido dos Trabalhadores and by the presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from the Party's founding in the early 1980s, through the 1989 elections and then the election victory in 2002. The basic themes of the party's program and its gradual evolution toward a position that is closer to traditional forms of professional diplomacy, characterized by a juridical, gradualist and pacifist multilateralism, are emphasized. Furthermore, the main issues on the Brazilian diplomatic agenda - especially those of an economic and commercial nature -, negotiations and discussions on the possibilities and limitations for innovation in this area are examined. In conclusion, the current government's preservation of the major streams of continuity in Brazilian foreign policy is put forth. Resume Cet article analyse les positions concernant la politique etrangere prises par le Parti des Travailleurs et par le candidat a la presidence Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, depuis la creation du Parti, au debut des annees 1980, passant par les elections de 1989 et aboutissant a l'election de 2002 d'ou le parti est sorti gagnant. On souligne les themes basiques du programme du parti et son evolution progressive vers une attitude plus proche de la forme traditionnelle d'agir de la diplomatie professionnelle dont les caracteristiques sont le multilateralisme juridiciste, progressif et pacifiste. En outre, l'article examine les enjeux actuels de la diplomatie bresilienne - particulierement ceux concernant l'economie et le commerce -, les negociations et les discussions des limites et les possibilites d'innover et il conclut que la politique etrangere bresilienne dans le gouvernement actuel garderait l'esprit de continuite.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors study the Mangueira Social Program as a relatively successful case of de-centralized social policy management, carried out through the social networks that have been established between the community, public power and several firms that have provided financial support for numerous cultural projects in a favela in Rio de Janeiro.
Abstract: Este trabalho analisa o programa de politica social implantado na favela da Mangueira, no Rio de Janeiro, nas ultimas duas decadas, entendendo-o como resultante de uma convergencia de fatores que envolvem: 1) as transformacoes nas formas de gestao publica nas cidades brasileiras, que passaram mais recentemente a envolver parcerias dos governos local e estadual com a comunidade e as empresas; 2) a mudanca na cultura empresarial, levando as empresas a atuacao de carater social, lado a lado com a politica social dos governos e 3) a existencia de lacos comunitarios em torno da Escola de Samba da Mangueira, que permitem entender essa entidade e seu entorno comunitario como dotados de capital social. Com base nos conceitos de capital social e governanca estudamos o Programa Social da Mangueira como um caso de relativo sucesso de gestao descentralizada de politica social, por meio de redes sociais estabelecidas entre a comunidade, o poder publico e algumas empresas que vem financiando inumeros projetos culturais na favela da Mangueira. Abstract This paper looks at the social policy program implanted in the Mangueira "favela" (slum district) in Rio de Janeiro, during the last two decades. The program is seen as resulting from a convergence of the following factors: 1) the transformation of public management in Brazilian cities, which have recently begun to involve communities and businesses in partnerships with state and local government; 2) changes in entrepreneurial culture, encouraging businesses to engage in social action alongside government social policy, and 3) the bonds in the community that have formed around the Escola de Samba da Mangueira (Samba School) that make it possible to conceive of this institution and its social environment as holders of social capital. Using concepts of social capital and governance, we study the Mangueira Social Program as a relatively successful case of de-centralized social policy management, carried out through the social networks that have been established between the community, public power and several firms that have provided financial support for numerous cultural projects in the Mangueira favela. Resume Ce travail analyse le programme de politique sociale mis en place dans la «favela» de Mangueira a Rio de Janeiro au cours des deux dernieres decennies. Nous trouvons que ce programme est le resultat d'une convergence de facteurs concernant: 1) les transformations dans les modes de gestion publique dans les villes bresiliennes ce qui a favorise la formation de partenariats entre les administrations locales et regionales, la communaute et les entreprises; 2) le changement au sein de la culture des entreprises amenant celles-ci a agir socialement, conjointement avec la politique sociale des administrations et 3) l'existence de liens communautaires en ce qui concerne l'Ecole de Samba de Magueira, ce qui a permis de considerer cette entite et ses entours comme des acteurs possedant du capital social. En nous appuyant sur les concepts de capital social et de gouvernance, nous avons etudie le Programme Social de Mangueira. Nous le tenons pour un cas ou la gestion decentralisee de politique sociale a assez reussi grâce a des reseaux sociaux implantes entre la communaute, le pouvoir public et quelques entreprises qui s'occupent de plus en plus de nombreux projets culturels dans la «favela» de Mangueira.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the use of the philosophical notion of antagonism within the context of political science has been analyzed from a philosophical point of view, and it has been shown that not only is antagonism responsible for the impossibility of a complete closure of the meanings of a discourse, but the very self-referential way in which its structures work maintain a constant discursive "opening".
Abstract: O artigo tem por objetivo problematizar o emprego da nocao filosofica de antagonismo no contexto da Ciencia Politica. O âmbito teorico-epistemologico e o da Teoria do Discurso, desenvolvida, sobretudo, por Ernesto Laclau e Chantal Mouffe, a partir da ja classica obra Hegemony and Socialist Strategy - Towards a Radical Democratic Politics, publicada em 1985. A nocao de antagonismo tem sido empregada por vezes de maneira generica e imprecisa por esses autores, caso se considere, rigorosamente, seu sentido filosofico. Afirma-se que nao somente o antagonismo e responsavel pela impossibilidade do fechamento completo dos sentidos de um discurso, mas que o proprio funcionamento auto-referencial de suas estruturas corrobora para uma constante "abertura" discursiva. Forma-se, consequentemente, o que se denominara de uma "dupla impossibilidade da constituicao discursiva plena" - pela falta e pela abundância. Abstract The purpose of this article is to analyze the use of the philosophical notion of antagonism within the context of Political Science. Its theoretical and epistemological framework pertains to the arena of Discourse Theory, as developed primarily by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, starting with their now classic 1985 work, Hegemony and Socialist Strategy - Towards a Radical Democratic Politics. If rigorously considered from a philosophical point of view, the notion of antagonism is sometimes employed by these authors in a generic and imprecise way. We contend that not only is antagonism responsible for the impossibility of a complete closure of the meanings of a discourse, but the very self-referential way in which its structures work maintain a constant discursive "opening". Consequently, what we call the "double impossibility of complete discursive constitution" - due both to what is lacking and what is amply present-emerges. Resume Cet article a pour objectif de mettre en question l'emploi de la notion philosophique d'antagonisme dans le contexte de la Science Politique. Le cadre theorique-epistemologique est celui de la Theorie du Discours, developpee principalement par Ernesto Laclau et Chantal Mouffe a partir de l'oeuvre classique Hegemony and Socialist Strategy - Towards a Radical Democratic Politics, publiee en 1985. La notion d'antagonisme est parfois employee de maniere ample et imprecise par ces auteurs, si l'on en considere strictement le sens philosophique. On affirme que non seulement l'antagonisme est responsable de l'impossibilite de la saisie complete des sens d'un discours, mais encore le propre fonctionnement auto-referentiel de ses structures renforce une permanente «ouverture» - discursive. Cela creera donc ce qu'on nommera une double impossibilite de la constitution discursive pleine par defaut et par exces.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the limits of globalization in the context of Macrossociologia Historica (HCS) and the Political Economy of World Systems (PEWS) and argue that many of the limitations of HCS and PEWS are due to the centrality that they confer to the characteristically Western construct of the nation state.
Abstract: O artigo discute como o fenomeno que se convencionou chamar de "globalizacao" afetou e afeta dois ramos da Macrossociologia Historica - a Sociologia Historica e Comparativa (SHC) e a Economia Politica dos Sistemas-Mundo (EPSM) -, ao mesmo tempo em que procura determinar os limites da propria "globalizacao" Inicialmente, indica-se que a globalizacao representa a constituicao de um sistema economico mundial, em detrimento dos estados nacionais - o que reforcaria a EPSM e debilitaria a SHC Em seguida, procura-se indicar que as caracteristicas da "globalizacao" justificam sua novidade: a partir de uma perspectiva de longa duracao, considera-se que estamos em um periodo de expansao das relacoes economicas em nivel mundial, da mesma forma como em outras ocasioes no passado O artigo se encerra considerando que muitas das limitacoes da SHC e da EPSM devem-se a centralidade que conferem ao construto caracteristicamente ocidental do Estado-nacao, embora a atual onda de globalizacao deva muito de sua importância a atividade de paises nao-ocidentais, em especial os do Leste Asiatico Abstract This article looks at how the phenomenon that we are accustomed to refer to as "globalization" has affected and continues to affect two branches of Historical Macrosociology - Historical and Comparative Sociology (HCS), and the Political Economy of World Systems (PEWS) - while at the same time considering the limits of globalization itself First, globalization is seen as constituting a world economic system, in detriment of nation states,- which would in fact strengthen PEWS and weaken HCS Next, it is argued that the characteristics of "globalization" justify its novelty: from the point of view of the long duration, we are undergoing a period of expansion of economic relations at the world level, as in other moments in the past The article concludes with the consideration that many of the limitations of HCS and PEWS are due to the centrality that they confer to the characteristically Western construct of the nation state, whereas the current wave of globalization owes much of its importance to the activity of non-Western countries, East Asia in particular Resume L'article reflechit sur comment le phenomene qu'on appelle «globalisation» a atteint et atteint toujours deux branches de la Macrosocilogie Historique - la Sociologie Historique et Comparative (SHC) et l'Economie Politique des Systemes-Monde (EPSM) -, tout en cherchant a definir les limites de la «globalisation» elle-meme D'abord, on montre que la globalisation represente la constitution d'un systeme economique mondial au detriment des Etats nationaux - ce qui conforterait l'EPSM et rendrait fragile la SHC Ensuite, on essaie de montrer que les caracteristiques de la «globalisation» expliquent son caractere inedit: a partir d'une perspective a long terme, on considere qu'on se trouve dans une periode d'expansion des relations economiques sur le plan mondial comme il s'est produit par le passe L'article se termine par l'idee que les limites de la SHC et de l'EPSM sont dues a la centralite fournie par la construction typiquement occidentale de l'Etat-nation, bien que l'actuelle vague de mondialisation doive son importance notamment a l'activite des pays non occidentaux, surtout ceux de l'est de l'Asie

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse the social conditions that created the demand for International Relations programs in Brazil, as well as the legal and institutional demands for well functioning undergraduate programs in this area that meet up to social needs.
Abstract: Em funcao das grandes transformacoes verificadas no mundo, na ultima decada, ocorreu um rapido aumento na quantidade de cursos de Relacoes Internacionais (RI) no Brasil. Atualmente, ha quase sessenta cursos em funcionamento. Percebe-se, todavia, e que nem sempre se asseguram condicoes adequadas para o funcionamento desses cursos. Deficiencias podem ser observadas nao so no corpo docente, como tambem nas bibliotecas, que muitas vezes nao dispoem de acervo suficiente para atender as demandas das disciplinas ministradas. Juntamente com esses problemas, os egressos dos cursos de RI tem manifestado preocupacoes com sua insercao no mercado de trabalho, apesar de se encontrarem em uma area em plena expansao, e terem uma formacao multipla que os torna altamente competitivos. Neste artigo analisamos as condicoes sociais que criam a demanda pelo estudo das Relacoes Internacionais no Brasil, bem como as exigencias legais e institucionais para o bom funcionamento dos cursos de graduacao nessa area. Abstract In light of the major transformations that have taken place in the world during the last decade, there has been a rapid increase in the number of International Relations programs offered in Brazil. Today, there are almost 60 of them in operation. Yet it is evident that adequate conditions for their operation are not always guaranteed. There are deficiencies not only in terms of qualified faculty but also with regard to libraries, which often do not dispose of collections that can meet the needs produced by the courses taught. In addition to such problems, graduates of the programs have shown concern about their positioning in the labor market, notwithstanding the fact that it is a currently expanding field and that the graduates themselves have undergone multiple faceted training which makes them highly competitive. In this article we look at the social conditions that created the demand for International Relations programs in Brazil, as well as the legal and institutional demands for well functioning undergraduate programs in this area that meet up to social needs. Resume En raison des profondes transformations survenues a travers le monde au cours de la derniere decennie, il s'est produit une progression rapide des cours de Relations Internationales (RI) au Bresil. Actuellement, il existe environ soixante cours. Pourtant, on s'apercoit que les conditions apropriees a leur fonctionnement sont quelquefois insuffisantes. Des difficultes sont constatees non seulement au sein du corps enseignant, mais encore dans les bibliotheques qui ne founissent pas assez de livres pour repondre aux besoins des disciplines enseignees. Parallelement, les diplomes des cours RI se soucient de leur insertion dans le monde du travail alors qu'ils exerceraient leur carriere dans un domaine en expansion et auraient une formation multiple leur permettant d'etre tres competitifs. Dans cet article, on analyse les conditions sociales qui ont genere cette demande pour une formation en relations internationales au Bresil ainsi que les exigences legales et institutionnelles pour que le fonctionnement de ces cours soit satisfaisant et adequat aux necessites sociales.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A diagnosis of the political and socio-economic difficulties that Latin American is undergoing and suggests the need to link the concepts of "social capital" and "citizens' education for democracy".
Abstract: O artigo faz um diagnostico das dificuldades socioeconomicas e politicas na America Latina e sugere a necessidade de vincular os conceitos de "capital social" e "educacao cidada para a democracia" Para o autor, e necessario um trabalho de educacao na area da justica, uma vez que ai existem grandes oportunidades para a participacao, o fortalecimento do capital social e o enriquecimento da democracia participativa Abstract This article makes a diagnosis of the political and socio-economic difficulties that Latin American is undergoing and suggests the need to link the concepts of "social capital" and "citizens' education for democracy" In the author's point of view, educational work in the area of justice is needed, since it is in the latter that significant opportunities for participation, the strengthening of social capital and the enrichment of participatory democracy can be carried out Resume L'article fait le diagnostique des difficultes socio-economiques et politiques en Amerique Latine et suggere qu'il faut mettre en relation le concept de capital social et celui d'education du citoyen pour la democracie Pour l'auteur, il est necessaire de mener un travail d'education dans le domaine de la justice etant donne que les opportunites de participation, de renforcement du capital social et d'enrichissement de la democracie participative y sont nombreuses


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the way in which, through its Observers Missions (OM-OAS), the Organization of American States (OAS) has been institutionalizing practices of representative democracy in the Inter-American system.
Abstract: O objetivo deste trabalho e examinar de que maneira a Organizacao dos Estados Americanos (OEA), por meio de suas Missoes de Observadores (MOE-OEA), vem institucionalizando praticas de democracia representativa no sistema interamericano. A partir das eleicoes peruanas de 2000, o artigo mostra as limitacoes dos principios democraticos quando eles confrontam-se com o principio de nao-intervencao sustentado em atuacoes defensivas de potencias medias (caso do Brasil) e pequenos atores estatais. Organizacoes como a OEA vem incorporando em sua agenda a democracia com uma intensidade pouco usual na sua historia diplomatica. O artigo conclui que tal explicitacao democratica da OEA nem sempre se traduz em resultados bem-sucedidos. Existem constrangimentos que passam pela propria institucionalizacao de seus procedimentos de monitoramento, pelos interesses politicos e economicos das potencias regionais e pelo sempre espinhoso problema dos limites entre monitoramento e nao-intervencao nos assuntos internos dos paises membros. Abstract The purpose of this paper is to examine the way in which, through its Observers Missions (OM-OAS), the Organization of American States (OAS) has been institutionalizing practices of representative democracy in the Inter-American system. By looking at the Peruvian elections of the year 2000, the article demonstrates the limitations of democratic principles when they are confronted with the principle of nonintervention that has been maintained through the defensive action of middle-sized powers (such as Brazil) and small State actors. Organizations such as the OAS have been incorporating democracy into their agenda with an intensity that is uncommon to their diplomatic history. The article concludes that such an explicitation of democracy on the part of the OAS does not always breed positive results. There a number of constraints present, such as the institutionalization of monitoring procedures, the political and economic interests of the regional powers and the always tricky problem of the boundaries between monitoring and nonintervention in internal affairs of member countries. Resume L'objectif de ce travail est d'examiner comment l'Organisation des Etats Americains (OEA), par l'intermediaire de ses Missions d'Observateurs (MOE-OEA), institutionnalise progressivement des pratiques de democratie representative dans le systeme interamericain. En se reportant aux elections peruviennes de 2000, l'article aborde les limites des principes democratiques lorsqu'ils vont a l'encontre du principe de nonintervention prone dans des actions de defense de puissances moyennes (le cas bresilien) et d'acteurs d'etats moins importants. Des organisations comme l'OEA progressivement incorporent a leurs buts la democratie dans une intensite peu usuelle dans l'histoire de la diplomatie. L'article conclut que telle explicitaton democratique de l'OEA n'a pas toujours abouti a des reussites. Il existe des contraintes issues de l'institutionnalisation des procedes de monitorages, des interets politiques et economiques des puissances de la region et du difficile probleme des limites entre le monitorage et la nonintervention dans les affaires internes des pays membres.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze the process by which, during the first decade of the 1990s, Brazil's strategic conceptions were reformulated, in light of significant changes that had taken place in terms of national and international political contexts, including the substitution of East-West conflicts for North-South tensions, as well as the cooling off of rivalries among Southern cone countries (Brazil/Argentina/Uruguay) imposed fundamental changes in the way the threats around which Brazilian national defense is organized.
Abstract: Este artigo analisa o processo de reformulacao das concepcoes estrategicas brasileiras na primeira metade da decada de 1990 em razao das significativas mudancas nos contextos politicos internacional e nacional. No âmbito internacional, a substituicao do conflito Leste-Oeste pelas tensoes Norte-Sul e o arrefecimento da rivalidade platina impuseram modificacoes fundamentais nas percepcoes de ameaca a partir das quais se deveria organizar a defesa nacional no Brasil. Alem disso, no âmbito nacional, os militares brasileiros, apos o fim da ditadura, tiveram que aceitar como interlocutores, alem do Parlamento, representantes de setores da sociedade civil organizada. Nessa nova conjuntura, pela primeira vez desde o Imperio as percepcoes de inseguranca do Estado brasileiro viriam das fronteiras Norte do pais, sendo a Amazonia sua maior expressao. Esses novos contextos impuseram uma serie de condicionantes a autonomia politica e institucional das Forcas Armadas brasileiras, e, nesse sentido, a volta aos quarteis nao significou necessariamente o fim da autonomia militar. De fato, os militares nao sao mais politicamente autonomos, mas mantem um elevado grau de autonomia institucional que precisa ser revista pelos grupos dirigentes e pela sociedade civil organizada. A Politica de Defesa Nacional e o primeiro passo no sentido de restringir essa autonomia, mas cabera ao Ministerio da Defesa, como orgao implementador da Politica de Defesa Nacional, a tarefa de revisar e articular concepcoes estrategicas que se construiram autonomamente ao longo da historia. Abstract This article analyzes the process by which, during the first decade of the 1990s, Brazil's strategic conceptions were reformulated, in light of significant changes that had taken place in terms of national and international political contexts. At the international level, the substitution of East-West conflicts for North-South tensions, as well as the cooling off of rivalries among Southern cone countries (Brazil/Argentina/Uruguay) imposed fundamental changes in the way the threats around which Brazilian national defense is organized were perceived. Furthermore, in the national arena, in the aftermath of the dictatorship the Brazilian military was obliged to accept not only the Parliament but also sectors of organized civil society as interlocutors. In this new juncture, for the first time since the days of the Empire, perceptions of threats to the security of the Brazilian State come from the northern borders of the country, the Amazon region in particular. This new context imposed a series of conditions upon the political and institutional autonomy of the Brazilian Armed Forces; nonetheless, the "return to the barracks" did not necessarily mean the end of military autonomy. In fact, the military no longer has political autonomy, but does maintain a high level of institutional autonomy that needs to be reconsidered by groups in leadership positions and by organized civil society. National Defense Policy is the first step in the direction of limiting such autonomy; nonetheless, it is up to the Ministry of Defense , as organ that implements this Policy, to modify and articulate conceptions of strategy that have emerged historically in a context of autonomy. Resume Cet article analyse le processus de reformulation des conceptions strategiques bresiliennes au cours de la premiere moitie des annees 1990, vu les changements importants dans les contextes politiques international et national. Sur le plan international, le conflit Est-Ouest est remplace par ceux du Nord-Sud et les rivalites de la region de La Plata s'affaiblissent. Des transformations essentielles surviennent donc dans la maniere d'apercevoir les menaces qui orienteraient l'organisation de la defense nationale au Bresil. En outre, sur le plan national, les militaires bresiliens, apres la fin de la dictature, ont ete obliges d'avoir comme interlocuteurs non seulement le Parlement, mais aussi les representants de secteurs de la societe civile organisee. Dans cette nouvelle conjoncture, pour la premiere fois depuis l'Empire, le sentiment d'insecurite de l'Etat provient des frontieres du nord du pays, notamment de l'Amazonie. Ces nouveaux contextes introduisent une serie de contraintes a l'autonomie politique et institutionnelle des Forces Armees bresiliennes. Ainsi, le retour aux casernes ne suggere pas forcement une perte en autonomie militaire. En realite, les militaires ne sont plus politiquement autonomes, mais ils maintiennent un degre eleve d'autonomie institutionnel qui doit etre revu par les groupes menant la politique dans le pays et par la societe civile organisee. La Politique de Defense Nationale est le premier pas vers la reduction de cette autonomie, mais il reviendra au Ministere de la Defense, en organisme charge de la Politique de Defense Nationale, de reviser et d'articuler les conceptions strategiques qui se sont bâties de facon autonome au long de l'histoire.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the environmental discourses and practices of transnational firms in Brazil and concluded that the use of critical theory would have permitted a greater understanding of these TnFs' environmental practices.
Abstract: Este artigo relata resultados de uma pesquisa, baseada em premissas empiricistas e positivistas, que investigou os discursos e praticas ambientais de empresas transnacionais (ETNs) no Brasil. Na conclusao da pesquisa original tornou-se claro que o uso de teoria critica teria possibilitado melhor entendimento das praticas ambientais de ETNs. Dessa forma, demonstra-se, com base nos dados obtidos na pesquisa de campo realizada no Brasil, que o realismo critico e uma abordagem mais util para explicar as praticas ambientais de ETNs em paises em desenvolvimento. Ao final, a autora sugere que analises baseadas em abordagens realistas sao necessarias, visto que as ETNs sao os principais responsaveis pela geracao e disseminacao de conhecimento gerencial e tecnologico relacionado as questoes ambientais em inumeros setores industriais. Abstract This article reports results of a research, based on empirical and positivist premisses, that studied the environmental discourses and practices of transnational firms (TnFs) in Brazil. When the research was concluded, it became evident that the use of critical theory would have permitted a greater understanding of these TnFs' environmental practices. In this regard it is demonstrated that , based on data obtained in field research carried out in Brazil, critical realism is a more useful approach for explaining the environmental practices of TnFs in developing countries. Finally, it suggests that analyses based on realist approaches are necessary, since TnFs are the firms that are primarily responsible for generating and disseminating managerial and technological knowledge related to environmental issues in numerous sectors of industry. Resume Cet article rapporte les resultats d'une recherche basee sur des principes empiriques et positivistes, qui a etudie les discours et les realisations environnementales de societes multinationales (SMN) au Bresil. Lors de la conclusion de la recherche originale, il fut evident que l'utilisation de theorie critique aurait pu ameliorer la comprehension des actions environnementales des SMN dans des pays en developpement. A la fin, il suggere que des analyses basees sur des approches realistes sont necessaires etant donne que les SMN sont les principaux responsables de la ! generation et de la dissemination du savoir de la gestion et de la technologie concernant les enjeux environnementaux dans des nombreux secteurs industriels.


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors use the concepts of social capital and path dependency to consider both the limitations and potential of the idea of social change, from the point of view of a specific empirical case, the state of Piaui in northeastern Brazil.
Abstract: Este artigo discute, a luz dos conceitos de capital social e dependencia de trajetoria, os limites e possibilidade da ideia de mudanca social, procurando analisar um caso empirico especifico, o do estado do Piaui, da regiao Nordeste do Brasil. O texto divide-se em quatro secoes: em primeiro lugar, apresenta um breve resumo de alguns dos pontos principais que caracterizam a sociedade piauiense, interpretados a partir da sua formacao historica e daquilo que chamamos de "heranca de atraso". Em segundo lugar, analisa-se o novo perfil institucional brasileiro e as relacoes entre os setores publico e privado, com enfoque sobre o aspecto da participacao civica. Na secao subsequente, estabelecemos conexao direta das referidas questoes com a discussao recente sobre o capital social. Finalmente, amplia-se o debate sobre a questao da agenda pratica de mudanca social que pode ser vislumbrada a partir das reflexoes atinentes a literatura. Abstract This article uses the concepts of social capital and path dependency to consider both the limitations and potential of the idea of social change, from the point of view of a specific empirical case, the state of Piaui in northeastern Brazil. The text is divided into four sections: in the first, it presents a brief summary of some of the state's main characteristics, interpreted in light of its historical formation and what we refer to as its "legacy of underdevelopment". In the second section, we analyze the new Brazilian institutional profile and the relationships that prevail therein between public and private sectors, focusing on civic participation. In the following section, we establish a direct connection between these issues and recent discussions on social capital. Lastly, we broaden the debate on the practical agenda for social change that emerges from reflections on pertinent literature. Resume Cet article discute, a la lumiere des notions de capital social et de dependance de trajectoire, les limites et la possibilite d'un esprit de transformation sociale. Nous cherchons a analyser un cas empirique precis, celui de l'etat du Piaui, dans la region nord-est du Bresil. Le texte est divise en quatre parties: d'abord, il presente le resume de quelques aspects importants qui caracterisent la societe «piauiense», interpretes a partir de sa formation historique y compris ce qu'on appelle «l'heritage du recul» Ensuite, il est analyse le nouveau profil institutionnel bresilien et les rapports entre les secteurs public et prive, tout en soulignant la question de la participation civique. Puis, nous etablissons une connexion directe concernant ces questions avec la discussion recente a propos du capital social. Enfin, nous elargissons le debat sur la question du projet de transformation sociale qui peut etre envisagee a partir des reflexions concernant la litterature.



Journal Article
TL;DR: The authors divide Rile Hayward's work into seis capitulos, i.e., quarto, fifth, sixth, and terceiro capitulo dedica-se a literatura critica sobre a relacao entre pedagogia and poder.
Abstract: Qualquer pesquisador ou professor que se veja obrigado a enfrentar a tarefa de discutir o conceito de “poder” na teoria politica percebe muito rapidamente que o terreno e pantanoso. De saida, ele ver-se-a obrigado a conhecer uma multiplicidade de definicoes classicas e, em seguida, tomar conhecimento das inumeras “atualizacoes” conceituais e metodologicas que a literatura contemporânea sugere. Sera obrigado ainda a percorrer uma infinidade de campos disciplinares distintos, passando pela Filosofia, pela Sociologia, pela Ciencia Politica, pela Historia e, se quiser um pouco mais de diversao, ate mesmo pela literatura, lendo o ultimo epilogo de Guerra e paz ou a lenda do Grande Inquisidor em Os irmaos Karamazov. Ficara com a nitida sensacao de que os diversos autores nao falam sobre a mesma coisa; de que o que uns chamam de “poder”, outros chamam de “dominacao”, “potencia”, “influencia” ou “coercao”; percebera ainda que algumas definicoes sao extremamente rigorosas do ponto de vista metodologico, a ponto de viabilizarem a mensuracao desse fenomeno, mas, ao mesmo tempo, sao extremamente superficiais e timidas no seu alcance; outras, ao contrario, sugerem uma definicao mais abrangente, mas nunca sabemos exatamente como operacionaliza-las. Essa multiplicidade de definicoes parece estar vinculada, como ja sugeriram alguns autores, ao carater essencialmente normativo do conceito: tantas “versoes” do poder correspondem, na verdade, a multiplicidade de projetos politicos que os diferentes autores defendem 1. O livro de Clarissa Rile Hayward pretende ser mais um capitulo nesse enredo sem fim. O trabalho da autora tem como objeto empirico de analise duas comunidades escolares, uma composta por alunos oriundos de camadas populares, em especial afro-americanos, outra situada num suburbio de classe alta. O objetivo e estudar as relacoes de poder nessas duas comunidades. Para tanto, a autora divide o seu livro em seis capitulos. O primeiro, na verdade uma introducao, apresenta os objetivos gerais do livro e antecipa algumas discussoes teoricas que aprofundara no capitulo seguinte. O terceiro capitulo dedica-se a discutir a literatura critica sobre a relacao entre pedagogia e poder. Nos capitulos quarto e quinto encontramos as analises empiricas, essencialmente etnograficas, acerca das relacoes de poder nas duas escolas e, por fim, o sexto capitulo apresenta uma conclusao de carater teorico em que a autora reforca as suas criticas a forma tradicional de se discutir o problema do poder. O livro contem ainda apendices metodologicos com interessantes comentarios sobre a observacao participante, metodo amplamente empregado por Hayward para abordar o seu objeto de estudo.