Youth and the social question: from liberalism to corporatism

Abstract

This article analyzes the clashes between liberalism, communism and corporatism over control of political power in Brazil, in light of the political projects concerning Youth and the Social question, understood as the sum of all problems and solutions related to poverty. The political groups had specific notions about youth insertion and the role of youth in the social structure. Social problems were the motto of these clashes. Between the decades of 1920 and 1940 Brazil underwent a deep transformation: the transition from a liberal order to a corporative configuration. Getúlio Vargas’ rise to power was a landmark in the process. Under his authoritarian government an ample program of social reforms was implemented in exchange for total compliance and adhesion from society.