Race, Politics, and Education in Brazil : Affirmative Action in Higher Education

Brazil has undertaken affirmative action in its universities on an unprecedented scale. An expert group of international scholars puts the new policies in historical, political, and legal context; evaluates their outcomes for students and universities; and demonstrates that the policies have been successful in addressing racial inequality.

Race, Politics, and Education in Brazil evaluates Brazilian affirmative action by putting the new policies in historical and political context. Johnson, Heringer, and their contributors explore the significance of affirmative action and racial quotas in Brazilian politics and society and the main affirmative action policies implemented so far, especially in the field of education. The editors argue the recent passage of affirmative action represents a victory that will lead to a more socially just and egalitarian society. These unprecedented policies of social inclusion have provoked heated debate and controversy in the national media, on university campuses, in the halls of congress, and throughout the country generally. To understand the origins and impact of affirmative action, Race, Politics, and Education in Brazil highlights the key roles of Black social movement activists and politicians as well as traditional mainstream and conservative elites and powerbrokers.