In the first grades of elementary public school, mainly in those located on the poor neighborhood, the circulation of economical and social capital is limited and cultural capital is less required than in the other school levels. However, in these schools power relations take place just like as in any organization. Based on Weber and Bourdieu’s studies this research analyses power relations in two public schools in Belo Horizonte. Two moments have been observed: in the first one, unconscious and subliminal power relations are identified in routine habitual relations among school actors. In the second one, power relations are clearly perceived when strugle for power takes place.
Power; Public school; Elementary school; School administration; Educational organization