Abstract
While concerned with the conceptions of time that orient the portraits of the Brazilian social life outlined in the inaugural editions of História econômica do Brasil and Sobrados e mucambos, the article examines two hypotheses: first and foremost, despite the specificity of their approaches, the essays rest on a common epistemological ground that constrains Gilberto Freyre’s and Caio Prado Jr’s perceptions about Brazil’s societal formation as well as its place and prospects in the modern scene. Secondly, notwithstanding the critical intentions of these authors, both remain entrenched in the cognitive horizons of a hegemonic frame of reference on modernity, which ultimately leads Prado Jr and Freyre to ratify the longstanding idea of Brazil as a secondary and delayed experience vis-à-vis the so-called advanced modern societies.
Keywords
Gilberto Freyre; Caio Prado Jr; Brazilian social thought