Abstract
This paper is a contribution to understand the mechanisms of racism in Brazil through the study of whiteness. In part one I introduce some of the most important theoretical contributions of critical whiteness studies, focusing on how whiteness has been defined as a condition of privilege. In part two I present a brief history of the role played by whiteness in the formation of Brazil as a nation with particular attention for the theory of branqueamento and for the specific characteristics of Brazilian color classification. This historical overview helps understand how whiteness became and still is a social position of structural advantage. In the last part I discuss some aspects of my ethnography on whiteness among men of upper-middle class self-identifying as white living in Rio de Janeiro. More specifically I analyze how class is perceived by them as the register to define their experience of whiteness.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
