The article analyzes the constitutive dimensions of the affirmation of political science in Brazil, which began in the late 60s. With the support of the Ford Foundation and driven by the initiative of a generational group, the legitimacy of this academic discipline is anchored in demands for a scientific culture that would, in some cases, buoy technical intervention during the democratic transition. Announcing their rupture from the prevailing standard of work in the Brazilian social sciences, this group nonetheless established continuities with the national tradition in politico-social thought. The disqualification of rival academic groups and the evocation of the symbolic support of a tradition are two facets of the same process of disciplinary independence.
Political science; Generational group; Scientific innovation; Ford Foundation; Politico-social thought