Coal, economy and politics in the south of Santa Catarina: an essay inspired by Gramsci

Abstract

Social groups hit by processes of economic decline, and harmed by institutional measures aimed at promoting productive restructuring, usually react in defense of their interests. It is not uncommom that articulations between classes take place in such situations, as recorded in the literature, and Gramsci’s ideas about hegemony and historical bloc are important tools for their analysis. This study looks at the major changes that occurred between the 1980s and 1990s in the coal sector in the southern region of Santa Catarina, an area that historically stands out in the corresponding activities. The intention is to contextualize the inflection in the trajectory of the sector and, resorting to those ideas of Gramsci, to analyze its consequences. These were riddled with sharp social clashes, but not only class antagonism was observed: there was also a convergence of interests in certain initiatives.

Keywords:
Coal; Hegemony; Historical bloc; Regional crisis; Conflict