This article discusses some of the main aspects that distinguish different approaches in the debate on the importance of cultural orientations for understanding structures of and ways of doing and thinking politics in contemporary societies. Fundamentally, we attempt to reinforce the idea that an understanding of political phenomena requires strengthening the theoretical and methodological approaches that perceive them as cultural manifestations which, as such, involve a dynamic through which people guide and give meaning to their actions. Specifically, the article presents results of research that has been carried out over the last decade regarding the interface between political culture and the practices and representations of the Brazilian parliamentary elite following the 1987-88 Constituent Congress. It is a point in time in which it we see differentiated regional identities making their imprint on diverse political behaviors and styles. This becomes evident in the practices and representations of differentiated groups within the parliament.
political culture; action; parliamentary elites; Brazilian National Congress