This paper is focused on discussions about patterns of political involvement and militancy based on a research conducted in the state of Sergipe with leaders and former leaders of very different institutions: unions, institutions of philanthropy, human rights and sexual choice associations, a black movement, a lay catholic group and environmental NGOs. It analyzes the conditions of acquiring social dispositions for political commitment and how such dispositions are fulfilled and updated over individual routes. The results point out that sociably favorable familial and religious background, high education levels, university experiences, important biographical events, militant activism and early partisan ties are crucial elements for a militant career.
militancy; socialization; political participation
