Talking with the right-wing: pernicious polarisation in Brazil and the philosophy of Paulo Freire

Vrydagh, Fanny and Jiménez-Martínez, César ORCID: 0000-0002-2921-0832 (2020) Talking with the right-wing: pernicious polarisation in Brazil and the philosophy of Paulo Freire. International Communication Gazette, 82 (5). 456 - 473. ISSN 1748-0485

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Abstract

The last decade has witnessed the development of pernicious polarization in Brazil, partly due to the emergence of right-wing organizations promoting a conservative, populist-nationalist and neoliberal agenda. Despite the attention that this process has received, the viewpoints of individuals who identify themselves as part of the right-wing have been overlooked. This article aims to address this gap, drawing on twenty-one semi-structured interviews with members of right-wing organization Movimento Brasil Livre. By analyzing the interviews through the philosophy of Paulo Freire, we show how these individuals propose a narrative of oppression that echoes in form but not substance Freire’s ideas of conscientization and liberation. We also suggest that a Freirean approach opens new ways to discuss and potentially unlock pernicious polarization, incorporating a significant distinction between sectarians and radicals, with the former unreceptive to criticism and discussion, and the latter defending their positions but open to dialogue and listening.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://journals.sagepub.com/home/GAZ
Additional Information:	© 2020 The Author(s)
Divisions:	LSE
Subjects:	J Political Science > JL Political institutions (America except United States) J Political Science > JC Political theory H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2023 16:03
Last Modified:	12 Dec 2024 03:51
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/120072

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