Economic Progress, Political Complacence, and the Tenuous Citizen-Government Connection

Posted on September 1, 2010September 9, 2019 by gregmichener

Most gringos don’t realize that Brazil and Latin America’s experience with democracy is relatively recent. Brazil has come a long way since it returned from dictatorship to democracy in the late 1980s. It only drafted its current constitution in 1988, just over twenty years ago. Today, politics is less polarized, the military has less influence, Read more about Economic Progress, Political Complacence, and the Tenuous Citizen-Government Connection[…]

The Beach and the end of Inequality

Posted on August 30, 2010September 9, 2019 by gregmichener

Well, perhaps not the end of inequality, but the beach certainly is something of an equalizer. Although the beach has its classes and groups, it is the closest Brazilians come to indiscriminate association. Perhaps you have a few class indicators, like a pair of sunglasses or a fancy bathing suit, but except for some very Read more about The Beach and the end of Inequality[…]

Talking about inequality…

Posted on August 13, 2010September 9, 2019 by gregmichener

Today’s Jornal do Brasil reports “47% of the GDP in only 1% of [the country’s] municipalities.” (page A17). Today, 40% of the nation’s poorest municipalities account for just 4.6% of the country’s GDP. Those are some figures to drown in. Inequality has obviously gotten worse, not better over time. In 1920, the figure for the Read more about Talking about inequality…[…]