A "política de santo" no bairro rural do Baú do Centro

Abstract

This paper presents some thoughts on two different (albeit connected) ethnographic experiences, inspired by distinct approaches to understanding the sociocultural context of São Bento de Sapucaí, SP (a largely rural town located in the Serra da Mantiqueira, with a population of 10,700 inhabitants). The first research project began as a consultancy activity for designing a City Management Plan, and focused on political groups defined by significant discourses and a local development agenda monopolized by recently-arrived inhabitants (or "outsiders"). In a subsequent period, the second research project focused on a series of local groups living in rural neighborhoods, with practices and representations very distinct from the previous ones - in terms of territory, kinship, religion and politics. The objective of this paper is to examine these two experiences alongside one another, emphasizing the diverse ways in which these groups construct their representations - especially in the case of "saint politics".