Features of sociology’s formation in Latin America: the case of Brazil

Abstract

The article discusses the features of sociology’s formation in Brazil. The authors say that in the system of modern sociological knowledge, studies of Latin American sociologists, and in particular, Brazilian ones, are not so widely represented. Nevertheless, they are a part of sociological knowledge which can help to understand the urgent social problems in Latin America. Authors note that the main themes of the early Brazilian sociology are the problems of national relations and the search for identity in postcolonial country, social changes and social inequality. According to the authors, a distinctive feature of the sociology in Latin America, including Brazil, is its special role in the formation and development of society. The article analyzes the work of Brazilian social thinkers such as Gilberto de Melu Freire, Sergio Bouarque de Holland, Fernando de Azevedo, Floristan Fernandez. The authors consider the main stages of sociology’s development in Latin America and note that the first steps of this process were reflected not only in the works of “social thinkers”, but also in some reform projects that were carried out in the countries of this region. According to the authors, the work of Brazilian sociologists such as Gilberto de Melu Freire, Fernando de Azevedo can rightfully be considered not only as the basis for the development of sociology in Latin America, but also as an important element of Brazilian society. The study of the heritage of outstanding Brazilian sociologists is extremely important for understanding social problems of the country in the modern era, which makes the study of their work relevant today.