This article deals with the intellectual debate that emerged in Brazil in the 1930s regarding representation through professional associations. Our goal is to analyze the conceptual propositions and organizational models offered by the different actors who involved themselves in the debate. In this regard, we seek to demonstrate that the model that came to be implemented was the result of a struggle involving a certain range of alternatives, groups and interests that were at rivalry. It is organized into three parts: the first presents a general overview of the debate; the second discusses the main division among those interested in representation through professional associations and points to the subtleties of their positions; in the third section, we turn to the various subdivisions within the position that favored the representation of professional associations with deliberating powers within the parliament. More than differences of minor import or facile composition, they make up significant distinctions between social interests and political goals, within the context of the political and ideological conjuncture that followed the Revolution of 1930.
representation of professional associations; corporatism; the Vargas government (1930-1937); the Brazilian Constitution of 1934; the National Constituent Assembly (1933-1934)