Intellectuals, democratization and the fight against poverty in contemporary Brazil

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of the participation of intellectuals in social inclusion projects and programs in contemporary Brazil and analyzes the political and intellectual trajectory of Herbert de Souza (Betinho), and Carlos Alberto Libânio Christo (Frei Betto). After examining these authors' writings about problems related to the elitism of the Brazilian left, the paper turns to the analysis of Betinho's performance directing the project 'Action of Citizenship Against Hunger, Misery and for Life,' and Frei Betto's as one of the leaders of 'Zero Hunger.'

intellectuals; left; democratization