Banca de DEFESA: SAGBO GAUTIER REGIS KAKPO

SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS AND PREJUDICE ABOUT AFRICAN IMMIGRANTS IN BRAZIL

social representations, prejudice, african people

This doctoral thesis aims to analyze the social representations and prejudices related to African immigrants in Brazil, based on the perspectives of both African immigrants residing in the country and Brazilian citizens. A total of 71 African immigrants and 96 Brazilians were interviewed for this study. Grounded in the Theory of Social Representations (Moscovici, 2007) and the Theory of Social Identity (Tajfel, 1982), the research explores how stereotypes and prejudice are constructed and reproduced in everyday social life. African immigration to Brazil has intensified in recent decades, driven by socioeconomic, educational, and political factors. Many immigrants come from Portuguese-speaking countries, which facilitates their initial integration; however, cultural barriers and prejudice persist. The thesis investigates how these populations are perceived and how they perceive Brazil, considering the role of the media in shaping representations.

The methodology includes prototypical analysis (four-quadrant chart and similarity graph) and content analysis of media discourse. The study evaluates the social representations of immigrants before and after their arrival in Brazil, as well as the representations held by Brazilians regarding Africans. The data reveal that, although there are positive associations such as joy and cultural richness, negative representations related to poverty, ignorance, and marginalization predominate. The findings highlight a discrepancy between the immigrants' initial expectations of hospitality and the reality of subtle discrimination. The media reinforces stereotypes by portraying immigrants as a “social problem” or “cheap labor.” Social identity theory helps explain how categorization and social comparison mechanisms perpetuate symbolic inequalities.

In conclusion, African immigration to Brazil is a complex phenomenon marked by historical racial and social inequalities. The social representations built by both groups are shaped by stereotypes that reinforce social exclusion. It is crucial to promote inclusive public policies, guarantee rights, and deconstruct deeply rooted prejudices in Brazilian society.