Redes de associações de grupos camponeses na Amazônia Oriental (Brasil): fontes de capital social?

Abstract

In the northeastern Amazon region of Brazil there has been a notable proliferation of peasants’ associations, particularly from the 1990s. They aim to provide alternative means to deal with common interests and to organize individual and group efforts, thus contributing to reduced inequalities. This study draws on interviews with leaders of thirty-six rural associations in three municipalities in the State of Pará. The paper considers the extent to which these local organizations represented forms of social capital, that is, social networks able to produce and to provide access to valued resources. The network environment of the associations is examined, with particular reference to their external links with similar associations, NGOs, government institutions, social movements, unions and politicians. Social connections appeared significant for the goals of the associations. Nevertheless, concrete barriers to communication reduced the network ability to spread the resources embedded or accessible.

Keywords

• peasants’ associations
• social capital
• network environment
• Amazonian region