Critical remarks on corruption, patrimonialism and “jeitinho” in Brazilian social formation

Abstract

The so-called “jeitinho brasileiro” and corruption are seen as some of the main national problems in several liberal-conservative and progressive circles. In the academic environment, the theories of “patrimonialism” are one of the most widespread explanatory lines for the interpretation of the remnants of the Brazilian colonial past. Within the celebrations of the bicentennial of Brazilian independence, this article aims to present a critical approach to these ideas. Through the contribution of Brazilian Marxist classical authors, we intend to demonstrate how the so-called corruption practices are part of the social reproduction of the dominant classes and dependent capitalism, as well as the theories of patrimonialism express part of the racist and imperial ideologies within Brazilian society.