Educação, cultura e cidadania: comunicações da periferia

Abstract

Abstract:The article discusses the understanding and the erroneous treatment that have been given to cultural policies in Brazil. One oscillates from neglect and complete lack of knowledge to the elitist and authoritarian sponsorship and protectionism by the State. Emphasis is given to the São Paulo ABC region as a concrete cultural space in which the population's manifestations are an interstice of resistance, in the continuity of being treated as labor for capitalistic exploitation and second class consumers. The article also criticizes the so-called progressive and leftist discourses that treat culture as a superstructural projection or as an expression of the infrastructure. It stresses that culture is a mediation value, a base of motives, values and stimuli to creative action, and a differentiator of the groups that organize themselves as a community. It makes propositions for responsible cultural policies.