THE “WHITENESS” PHENOMENON AND ITS RESONANCES ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLACK PEOPLE AND WORK IN BRAZIL

Abstract

The trajectory of non-white groups in Brazil, from the colonial period and slavery to the present day, despite current labor laws, is marked by resistance and the fight against prejudice and exclusion. These groups demonstrate a tireless capacity to resist and transform reality, even in the face of the explicit consequences that manifest themselves in racial inequalities, both in educational contexts and in the labor market. To understand this dynamic, it is essential to analyze the historical formation of Brazilian society, addressing the place occupied by whites and blacks and the complex interactions between these groups. Brazil's social structure is based on values ​​that associate whiteness with progress and civilization, while the non-white population is relegated to a position of marginalization. These values, rooted in scientific and eugenic ideas from the 19th century, perpetuate exclusion. In order to build a more just and egalitarian society, the Brazilian State has adopted reparation measures, such as the valorization of Afro and indigenous culture, the implementation of affirmative action policies and laws that combat discrimination and racism. This article, written in the form of a theoretical essay, reveals, through the discussion of concepts such as “whiteness”, “blackness”, “racism”, “racial democracy”, “quilombamento” and others, how black people have been deprived of the right to be free, dignified and autonomous citizens in Brazil; victimized by structural racism that places them in a condition of subordination in relation to white citizens; leading them to occupy positions of lesser value from school (educational process) to employment (job market).