A brief report on elite studies in the far south of Brazil

Abstract

The article reflects on how Bourdieusian theory has been used by those interested in studying elites in Brazil. To this end, the author revisits some aspects of the training received by a group of graduate students gathered at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul around Professor O. L. Coradini. The central discussion highlights the following elements: the conceptual dimensions, emphases and methodological approaches favored in the development of research agendas; the empirical sections, groups and institutions that have received the most attention; and, above all, with what mediations and considerations these schemes have served studies on different dominant groups.