Brazil: Culture And Politics In A New Industrial Powerhouse (Nations of the Modern World - Latin America) [Paperback]

Ronald M. Schneider (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 16, 1996 | ISBN-10: 0813324378 | ISBN-13: 978-0813324371

Myths and misconceptions about Brazil, the world’s fifth largest and most populous country, are long-standing. Far from a sleeping giant, Brazil is the southern hemisphere’s most important country. Entering its second decade of civilian constitutional government after a protracted period of military rule, it has also recently achieved sustained economic growth. Nevertheless, the nation’s population of 157 million is divided by huge inequities in income and education, which are largely correlated with race, and crime rates have spiraled as a result of conflicts over land and resources.Ronald Schneider, a close observer of Brazilian society and politics for many decades, provides a comprehensive multidimensional portrait of this, Latin America’s most complex country. He begins with an insightful description of its diverse regions and, then analyzes the historical processes of Brazil’s development from the European encounter in 1500 to independence in 1822, the middle-class revolution in 1930, the military takeover in 1964, and the return to democracy after 1984. Schneider goes on to offer a detailed treatment of contemporary government and politics, including the 1994 elections. His closing chapters explore Brazil’s rich cultural heritage and assess Brazil’s place in the international arena.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ronald M. Schneider is professor of political science at Queens College, City University of New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Westview Press (February 16, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813324378
• ISBN-13: 978-0813324371
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,932,141 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Concise, August 14, 2002

By 

Leonardo Alves (Houghton, Michigan USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brazil: Culture And Politics In A New Industrial Powerhouse (Nations of the Modern World - Latin America) (Paperback)

Conciseness is at the same time the best and the worst characteristic of Schneider's book. The first 88 pages are a very fast paced summary of Brazil geography and history up to 1964. The first chapter on Brazil regions is important but very badly written. Not only most of the Portuguese names are misspelled but the kind of information begs for tables and thematic maps. The only three tables presented in the entire book are hideous.

Conciseness can easily slip to oversimplification and there are some connections the book tries to make to what I cannot agree. One example is the statement that the party structure during the Empire period (mid 19th century) still remains. Another example of exaggeration is when the author calls the 1994 presidential election the most complicated and important in the whole New World History.

On the positive side Schneider is very competent in pinpoint the main problems that haunt Brazil. The gross congressional under representation of the most populated states, the paternalistic approach to the role of the State, the Brazilian dream of a messianic leader, the chaotic party structure and the idea that the law is a burden and people should just try to be reasonable.

Outstanding is the chapter on Brazilian culture, especially the section on literature and interpersonal relations where terms such as pistolao, panelinha, parentela, jeitinho as well as the "do you know whom are you speaking to" approach are explained. Noteworthy also is the section on racial relations.

The good part of the book is 130 pages long (pages 89 till 218). The first 88 pages don't really add to the book and may scare the less patient reader. My suggestion to the author is to get rid of it and create a really concise 130 pages book. The other idea is to expand the first 88 pages loosing the conciseness. It's a tough call but the way the book is and considering that it costs [price] I would rather buy Skidmore's Brazil: Five Centuries of Change plus Page's The Brazilians. The two will set you back [price] but you'll enjoy over 800 pages of Brazil and the Brazilians.

Leonardo Alves - Tucson, Arizona - August 2002