This paper seeks to examine a public policy - science and technology policy (STP) - by debating some of its main characteristics (that distinguish it significantly from the others) and evidencing some of its less discussed aspects: as any policy elaborated in the sphere of the capitalist state, STP is, evidently, a class-oriented policy. The paper seeks to understand why this aspect is scarcely recognized. It also discusses some of the main causes and consequences of this aspect. In order to accomplish these goals, it explores some general concepts and definitions regarding public policies. It then discusses the main characteristics and processes associated to science and technology policy, as well as the specificities of Brazilian STP that, to a great extent, shows its class orientation. Lastly, it presents some arguments that seek to explain why this class orientation is not commonly recognized.
Science and technology policy; Public policies; Capitalist state; Research community; Brazil