The myth of racial democracy in the labour market: a critical analysis of the participation of afro-descendants in brazilian companies

Abstract

This research sought to identify the participation of different races in organizations and to investigate the opportunities for black people, in terms of employability and professional growth, in Brazil. To meet this objective, documentary research was undertaken with 117 companies, which are among the 500 largest in Brazil. The results indicated that racial democracy is a myth in our society, hence the need to move forward with social policies that minimize inequalities between white and black people in the most significant company positions. The process of producing and reproducing racism continues to restrict the of black people to the highest hierarchical levels. In order to achieve equality for black people in the labour market, we must evolve from social policies of ‘good intentions’ to the concept of praxis and be positioned among the benchmarks of militant sociology, establishing a set of affirmative government policies, accompanied by practices that encourage diversity in companies and denounce ideologies which reinforce the myth of racial democracy.

The contributions of Clóvis Moura’s interpretation of slavery in Brazil and the possible dialogues with organization studies

“…It is understood that, based on the Mourean perspective, it is possible to expand analysis regarding how organizations constitute decisive spaces for the production and reproduction of racial inequalities. It is observed that, in the realm of work, race-related issues are often addressed under the umbrella of diversity (Machado, Bazanini, & Mantovani, 2018). Moura can help us reflect on how the instruments discussed within this "paradigm" are insufficientif not impediments -for a mass upward mobility of oppressed groups.…”

Discriminação racial de jovens negros no Brasil: revisão integrativa

“…Isso se evidencia em pesquisa que apresenta a democracia racial como um mito na sociedade brasileira, pois os cargos empresariais mais elevados têm predominância branca. Em contrapartida, os cargos mais baixos da pirâmide organizacional dessas empresas são ocupados, em grande maioria, por pessoas negras (Machado Júnior et al, 2018).…”

As contribuições da interpretação de Clóvis Moura sobre a escravidão no Brasil e seus possíveis diálogos com os Estudos Organizacionais

“…Entende-se que, com base no ponto de vista moureano, seja possível expandir análises a respeito de como as organizações constituem espaços decisivos de produção e reprodução de desigualdades raciais. Observa-se que, na esfera do trabalho, questões relacionadas a raça costumam ser tratadas sob o guarda-chuva da diversidade (Machado, Bazanini, & Mantovani, 2018). Moura pode nos ajudar a refletir como os instrumentos discutidos no interior desse "paradigma" são insuficientes -quando não impeditivos -para uma ascensão vertical em massa das camadas oprimidas.…”