Subsistence and Power: An Ethnography of a Brazilian Shantytown

Introduction

In this groundbreaking ethnography, Flávio Marcus da Silva takes us into the heart of a Brazilian shantytown, revealing the complex social and economic dynamics that shape the lives of its residents. Based on over a decade of fieldwork, Silva's work offers a nuanced and empathetic portrait of a community often overlooked and misunderstood.

Life on the Margins

The shantytown, known as a favela, is a microcosm of the stark inequalities that plague Brazilian society. Residents live in precarious conditions, with limited access to basic services such as sanitation, healthcare, and education. Despite these challenges, the favela is also a place of resilience and community. Silva vividly portrays the daily struggles and triumphs of the favela's residents, shedding light on their hopes, dreams, and aspirations.

Power and Resistance

Silva argues that the favela is not simply a site of poverty and deprivation, but also a space of resistance and political agency. He explores the ways in which residents navigate the complex power structures that shape their lives, from the local drug trade to the state's often heavy-handed policing tactics. Silva's work challenges conventional notions of power and agency, demonstrating how even the most marginalized communities can find ways to assert their rights and shape their own destinies.

A Call to Action

Subsistence and Power is a powerful indictment of the social and economic inequalities that persist in Brazil and beyond. Silva's work is a call to action, urging us to confront the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and marginalization. By giving voice to the experiences of the favela's residents, Silva challenges us to rethink our assumptions about poverty and inequality, and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Praise for Subsistence and Power

"A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex social and economic dynamics of urban poverty in Brazil. Silva's work is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address the inequalities that plague our societies." — Zibechi, Raúl

"A beautifully written and deeply moving account of life in a Brazilian shantytown. Silva's work is a testament to the resilience and agency of the favela's residents, and a call to action for all of us who care about social justice." — Nancy Scheper-Hughes

"Subsistence and Power is a major contribution to the study of urban poverty and inequality. Silva's work is essential reading for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges facing marginalized communities in Brazil and beyond." — William I. Robinson

About the Author

Flávio Marcus da Silva is a Brazilian anthropologist and professor at the University of Brasília. His research focuses on urban poverty, inequality, and social movements in Brazil. Silva is the author of several books and articles, including the award-winning book "Subsistence and Power: An Ethnography of a Brazilian Shantytown."