The challenge of eliminating racism in Brazil: the new institutional framework for fighting racial inequality

This paper argues that racism is a central force perpetuating socio-economic inequalities in Brazil, one of the most unequal countries in the world. Brazilian racism has its roots in the African slave trade. The historically popular opinion that Brazil is a ‘racial democracy’ continues to suppress acknowledgement of racial inequalities. Yet these are profound and persistent, trapping many black Brazilians in a vicious circle of poverty, poor educational outcomes, low access to goods and services, labour market discrimination, and violence. Brazil’s long-established black movement has fought for public action against racism. Recent achievements include the establishment of a legal framework for dealing with racism; a series of participatory policy discussions and conferences on racism; the creation of government institutions tasked with promoting racial equality; and the appointment of black people to senior government positions. The challenge remains to tackle institutional racism at all levels and to create a more constructive media environment.