A invisibilidade negra na política nacional: Desafios e perspectivas para a representatividade étnico-racial no congresso brasileiro

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis offers a critical and in-depth analysis of Black invisibility in Brazilian politics, with a focus on the underrepresentation of the Black population in the National Congress. The central object of this study is the historical and structural exclusion of Black individuals from institutional spaces of power. The research problem aims to understand the social, political, and cultural factors that sustain this exclusion, even in a society where Black and mixed-race individuals constitute the majority. The objective is to analyze the challenges and perspectives for strengthening racial-ethnic representation in Brazil's political system, especially through affirmative policies and anti-racist practices.The research is justified by the urgent need to make Black presence visible in decision-making spaces—not just numerically, but as active and influential voices within Brazilian democracy. The central argument is that structural, institutional, and cultural racism is embedded in state structures, including political parties and the National Congress itself, and that its overcoming depends on the articulation between social movements, public policies, and a deep reform of the political culture.The study is divided into chapters that contextualize Brazil's racial composition, analyze racism in politics, and propose strategies to reduce Black invisibility. It includes an intersectional perspective, showing how racism intersects with sexism, machismo, and capitalism to reproduce the marginalization of Black women. Through bibliographic and documentary research, data were analyzed on violations of rights affecting Black women in areas such as health, education, labor, and social assistance. Despite systemic oppression, the resistance of Black women, social movements, and social workers is highlighted as a key force driving concrete social change.The methodological approach is qualitative, based on bibliographic review and analysis of official data from IBGE, TSE, and institutional reports. Theoretical references include authors such as Silvio Almeida, Sueli Carneiro, Lélia Gonzalez, Carla Akotirene, and Abdias Nascimento. The study concludes that Black invisibility is part of a historically rooted racial hierarchy but also that there are viable paths toward its overcoming through political mobilization and transformative anti-racist education.