De-publicization and resistance against the “Escola sem Partido” in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies

Abstract:

This article investigates the discourse and actions of political and social actors who have struggled against the conservative and de-publicizing agendas of the “Escola Sem Partido” (“Schools Without Parties”) countermovement. The analysis of speeches in the Special Committee of “Escola Sem Partido”, in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, shows that the discursive strategies of representatives of movements and countermovement are similar to each other. Scientific, legal and normative arguments were mobilized to defend opposing policy agendas. The analysis of the speech, actors and voting dynamics in this arena shows that the regimental obstruction, as well as the judicialization, were the main strategies mobilized by the coalition against the “Escola Sem Partido” to block the countermovement agenda on education policy.

Keywords:
Escola sem Partido; education policy; de-publicization; countermovement; resistance