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(Il)licit economies in Brazil: an ethnographic perspective: Economias (i)lícitas no Brasil: uma perspectiva etnográfica

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  • Feltran, Gabriel

Abstract

Illicit economies are an issue of paramount importance and an opportunity for social mobility for millions in Brazil. The literature about them lacks empirical accuracy and less normative interpretive keys. Based on field research conducted between 2005 and 2018, this paper explores two stories: i) that of a young man working for illegal markets in the outskirts of São Paulo; and ii) that of a Toyota Hilux he stole. It adopts an approach centered on a theory of everyday action and focused on the boundary between legal and illegal and its pragmatic social effects. I argue the lack of public regulation of illicit economies has, over the last few decades, prevented their actors from obtaining social rights and started a vicious cycle of violence and reproduction of inequalities on a social level, as well as given rise to criminal populism in the public arena.

Suggested Citation

  • Feltran, Gabriel, 2019. "(Il)licit economies in Brazil: an ethnographic perspective: Economias (i)lícitas no Brasil: uma perspectiva etnográfica," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 101058, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:101058
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/101058/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gary S. Becker, 1974. "Crime and Punishment: An Economic Approach," NBER Chapters, in: Essays in the Economics of Crime and Punishment, pages 1-54, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    illicit economies; Violence; Inequalities; São Paulo: Brazil;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General

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