DESVENDANDO O RACISMO ESTRUTURAL: CLASSES, RAÇAS E O DESAFIO À DEMOCRACIA

Abstract

This article investigates structural racism in Brazil, based on the works of Guimarães, Kilomba, and Schwarcz, and interviews conducted with residents of the city of Humaitá-AM. The research adopts a qualitative approach, combining theory and practice to understand how racism manifests in institutions, social relations, and everyday life. It analyzes the historical roots of racial exclusion, from the colonial period to the present, highlighting persistent inequalities in education, labor, health, media, and public policies. The participants’ accounts reveal both subtle and explicit forms of discrimination, reinforcing stigmas and marginalization. Schools and media are identified as spaces that reproduce stereotypes, while affirmative actions—such as raciais quotas and anti-racist training—are presented as key strategies to confront these inequalities. The study concludes that structural racism undermines democracy and demands concrete actions for its eradication. Valuing the voices of affected individuals and promoting critical education are essential steps toward building a more just, pluralistic, and inclusive society.