Making use of the theoretical tools of Marxist critical sociology, Ruy Braga proposes an innovative reading of the social history of Brazil—from Fordist populism to the Lulista hegemony—using the "politics of the precariat" as an analytical vector. Braga's analysis seeks to explain both economic and structural processes (peripheral Fordism, its crisis, the transition to financialised post-Fordism) and the subjective dimension of the proletariat suffering from precarity (the anxiety of the subordinate, the preoccupation of the worker, the plebeian or classist drive of the exploited). At the moment when the plebeian drive is once again stimulating strike activity in the country, underlined by the protests that have recently shaken Brazil, this book impels us to reflect on the limits of the current model of Brazilian development.
First published in Portuguese as A política do precariado: do populismo à hegemonia lulista by Boitempo Editorial in 2012.
-
“Basing himself extended ethnography, historical research, and Gramscian theory, Ruy Braga offers a brilliant diagnosis of the rise and fall of Brazil’s Workers’ Party, and of the fragility of the hegemony that held Brazil together for nearly 15 years. Necessary reading for anyone who wishes to understand the impasse of the present crisis.”
—Michael Burawoy, Professor, University of California, Berkeley
“Ruy Braga's new book is eminently radical, critical and subversive, inspired by an unyielding commitment to the cause of the 'precariat', its self-activity and its struggle for emancipation. This book proposes an innovative reading of the social history of Brazil from Fordist populism to the current political crisis.”
—Michael Löwy, Emeritus Research Director in social sciences at the CNRS
“Weaving together theoretical debate, historical analysis and ethnographic observation, Braga offers a brilliant portrayal of the contemporary Brazilian working class and creates a vibrant debate with European theorists of precarity.”
—Peter Evans, Professor Emeritus, University of California, Berkeley
“Braga's book has many merits [...] Despite focusing on the relationship between unions and precarious workers, it pays attention to alliances between unions and social movements, highlighting the interconnection between mobilisations in the sphere of production and reproduction.”
—Andréia Galvão, Global Labour Journal
“[A] fascinating and critical account of the precariat’s class politics in Brazil, from the 1950s till the end of Lula’s presidency.”
—Hugo Goeury, Capital & Class