The idea of considering representations according to their dynamic configuration, as they are perceived within living experiences and political actions, inspired the main concepts explored by the article. Based on research that investigated residents of the suburbs of the city of Fortaleza, capital of Ceará state, with the help of the technique associated with ethnographic experience, the article evaluates representations within a context of cultural meanings set as examples to native categories. The investigation was directed towards delineating potentialities and limits of representations seen as a conceptual tool when it evaluates the way informants assess issues related to politics and morals associated with themes of justice and social inadequacies.
representations; politics; moral; leadership