Blackness and Social Mobility in Brazil: Contemporary Transformations

This book explores the emergence of the black middle classes in urban Brazil, examining the impact of economic, cultural, and political transformations on gender, race, and class relations. It utilizes qualitative research techniques to reveal the dynamics of upward mobility, social ascent into the middle classes, and everyday negotiations involved in establishing one's status in the socio-racial hierarchy. It argues that race shaped the contours and possibilities of social mobility in particular ways.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the fascinating emergence of the black middle classes in urban Brazil, a remarkable development that has emerged after decades of tireless black mobilization and in the context of profound economic, cultural, and political transformations sweeping the country. The author argues that one of the significant outcomes of these transformations is the restructuring of gender, race, and class relations, leading to new dynamics and inequalities in society. To explore these complex issues, the book employs qualitative research techniques such as ethnography, interviews, life histories, and focus groups with Afro-descendant families in the Northeast region of Brazil. Through these methods, the author uncovers the intricate realities of contemporary race, class, and gender inequalities and their profound impact on the daily lives of individuals and communities.

The book reveals the complex dynamics underlying upward mobility, showcasing the diverse pathways and experiences of social ascent into the middle classes. It sheds light on the everyday negotiations and challenges individuals face as they navigate the socio-racial hierarchy, often navigating a complex web of biases and stereotypes. While some of these patterns may not be exclusive to black people, the book argues that race has played a pivotal role in shaping the contours and possibilities of social mobility in distinct ways.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars and researchers in the fields of inequality, race, class, and gender relations. It offers a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the experiences of black middle classes in Brazil, providing a deeper understanding of the social, economic, and political factors that have contributed to their emergence and growth. The book's insights are relevant not only to Brazil but also to other countries experiencing similar transformations and grappling with the complex interplay of race, class, and gender.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex dynamics of inequality, race, class, and gender in contemporary society. It offers a rich and insightful perspective on the experiences of the black middle classes in Brazil, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities they face as they navigate a rapidly changing world. Through its rigorous research and compelling storytelling, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between these social constructs and their impact on individual and collective well-being.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030907648
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022