The marginal man and Brazilian sociology

Abstract

In this paper, the author seeks to discuss the contribution of Brazilian sociology to Latin American thought, especially in regards to the criticism of interpretations based on the theories produced in Europe. The analysis focuses on the theme of the marginal man, also using it as a theoretical and methodological approach. This contribution of Brazilian sociology escaped the notice of scholars, who now propose a change in the interpretation and explanation of Latin American societies. It is argued that a precursor of this criticism already exists in the sociology agglutinated around Florestan Fernandes.