Economia popular e políticas culturais no Brasil

Abstract

Based on a comprehensive review, this essay analyzes the relationship between cultural markets and public policy in Brazil. In particular, it examines conceptions that drive these policies, marked by dichotomies largely distinct from those that drive practices in broad sectors of society. Hegemonic ideas usually negatively frame the processes of commercialization of culture, while popular daily practices may recognize market relations as a positive form of social attribution of value, which boosts the production, circulation, and consumption of these goods and services. This divorce between hegemonic conceptions and popular practices has consequences for the effectiveness of policies, especially due to the underestimation of the role of commercial chains of informal and popular cultural offerings. Alternatively, we point to possible advantages of these policies acting in favor of the supply of cultural goods and services through market relations, rather than only through traditional governmental provision.