Elite perceptions of poverty and inequality

The article discusses how the Brazilian elite perceives poverty and inequality. Accepting the idea that the perceptions of those who control strategic resources directly affect the formulation and implementation of social policies, and based upon a few pioneering studies conducted in Europe and in the US, the author asks how the consequences of poverty and ine-quality are perceived among the non-poor. Using survey information, in-depth interviews and press material, the author explores the cognitive and normative perceptions of the Brazilian elite into poverty and inequality. The article also provides a brief comparison between the Brazilian elites and their counterparts in Bangladesh and South Africa.

The Brazilian elite; Social inequality; Poverty; Cognitive and normative perception