Elites, inequalities and domination in Latin America

In this seminar, we will begin with Professor Danilo Uzêda's presentation on inequalities and their mechanisms of reproduction. Following this, we will open the discussion to the theoretical and methodological frameworks of elites and bureaucracies, while also considering the current political context of rising neoconservatism and de-democratization, which is altering political participation and repositioning the country's conservative political elites. We will continue our approach with Professor Gianmarco Ferreira's contribution, who will address the profile of elites and the whiteness that characterizes them in Latin America. Professor Nathalia Vince will then take up the discussion, incorporating gender and intersectional perspectives into this profile of elites. Building on this discussion, Professor Ferreira will return to his argument, now considering the public bureaucracy and the elites that control it. Professor Rebecca Igreja now introduces the discussion on judicial elites and their role in guaranteeing the fundamental human rights of citizens. She continues her line of reasoning by discussing academic elites and the policies and perspectives that seek to transform them, thus concluding the discussion of the public sector. Finally, she addresses the profile of business elites, followed by Professor Nathalia's proposal to discuss skilled and elite migration, especially expatriates. It is important to note that the course begins with a theoretical/reflective approach, while continuing to incorporate empirical studies/research on the country's elites, who often contribute to the reproduction of inequalities, internal colonialism, discrimination, and Eurocentrism that persist in our society.

GENERAL PURPOSE

To analyze and understand the dynamics of power, inequality, and domination in Latin America, focusing specifically on the study of political, academic, judicial, and business elites. Through sociological and anthropological approaches, the aim is to examine the cultural, racial, and socioeconomic profile of these elites, as well as their values, actions, and roles in the reproduction of inequalities and oppressions in the region.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the concept of elites and their relationship with power structures in Latin America.

2. Critically analyze the cultural, racial, and socioeconomic profile of national elites and their influence on political and economic decisions.

3. Identify the forms of domination and oppression exercised by elites in different areas of Latin American society.

4. Reflect on the existing inequalities in our region and their relationship with the actions and policies of the elites.

5. Explore the intersectionality of gender, race, and ethnicity in the study of elites and inequalities in Latin America.

6. Analyze cases and empirical studies that allow us to understand how political and economic elites operate in different Latin American contexts.

7. To promote dialogue and the exchange of ideas on possible alternatives and strategies to address inequalities and domination in our region.

8. Develop research and critical analysis skills through reading academic texts and participating in course discussions and activities.

• Latin American inequalities and the construction of elites
• Bureaucracy, domination and public policies: interdisciplinary analyses
• De-democratization, neo-conservatism, and political participation
• Racial inequality and whiteness in Latin America
• Elites, gender inequality and intersectionality in Latin America
• Elite public careers
• Judicial elites
• Latin American academic elites
• Profile of business elites and diversity
• Migrant business elites

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The basic requirements for taking a seminar are:

• Availability of at least 4 hours per week to dedicate to the seminar course.
• Internet access.
• Reasonable handling of communication and computer tools.
• Language proficiency in the language in which the course will be taught. The official languages ​​are Spanish and Portuguese.

The seminars last 10 weeks, plus the completion of a final project. 48 hours of work with the instructor and 90 hours of total dedication will be credited.

A course consists of 10 classes, each accompanied by required readings, supplementary readings, discussion forums, and learning activities proposed by the teaching team, as well as partial submissions and a final project. The course is delivered online and asynchronously. Some instructors may propose synchronous activities. In these cases, the time and date will be agreed upon in advance between the teaching team and the students to ensure everyone's participation. To pass the seminar, students must participate in at least 80% of the discussion forums and activities proposed by the instructors, complete all scheduled partial submissions, and pass the final project.

The possible payment methods are credit card, bank transfer and bank deposit.