Encompassing half the continent of South America, Brazil is one of the most modern, complex, and misunderstood nations. Renowned Brazilian anthropologist Roberto DaMatta takes the misconceptions and offers a fresh, provocative interpretation of the complexity of social structure in Brazil.
Using the tools of comparative social anthropology, DaMatta seeks to understand his native country by examining the values, attitudes, and systems that shape the identity of Brazil and its people. He probes the dilemma between the highly authoritarian, hierarchal aspects of Brazilain society and the concurrent desire for equality, democracy, and harmony in that same society.
DaMatta leads us on a fascinating exploration into the the world of Brazilian carnivals, rogues, and heroes, and in so doing uncovers a deeper meaning of the rituals, symbols, and dramatizations unique to Brazil and its multifaceted society.
Author(s): Roberto DaMatta
Publisher: University of Notre Dame
Year: 1991
Language: English
Pages: 296
City: Notre Dame, IN
Tags: brazil,latin,south,america,culture,politics
Preface to the English Edition 1
Introduction 4
1. Carnivals, Military Parades, and Processions 26
2. The Many Levels of Carnival 61
3. Carnival in Rio and Mardi Gras in New Orleans 116
4. The Distinction between Individual and Person in Brazil 137
5. Pedro Malasartes and the Paradox of Roguery 198
6. Augusto Matraga and the Hour of Renunciation 239
References 267
