Patriarchy and Religion in Brazil

Talking about Gilberto Freyre is always a challenge. But it is also an invitation. A call for self-knowledge as Brazilians. Yes, delving into the works of this classic author takes us back to our roots, to a past that, in his books, becomes not so distant. A past that Freyre dissects and reconstructs, giving new shape to what had been said until then about our social composition and potential. It is a perspective that does not ignore the antagonisms of our culture, but rather perceives them as elements that are also characteristic of our ethos. Thus, one does not study Gilberto Freyre to disagree or peacefully agree with him, but rather to open oneself up to debate. It is both a challenge and an invitation, because studying this author means understanding our social formation a little better. His works are full of personal and collective narratives that reflect the identities, customs and values of our society. Freyre's answer to the question 'who are we' is based on plurality and diversity: a hybrid people whose ethnic origins are multiple but lead to unity.