Society

Inequality study shows a Brazil fueled by religion and anti-corruption

Oxfam polled thousands of Brazilians on their perception of the problems facing their country, one-third quote religion as a way to improve their lives.

“Brazil above everything, God above everyone.” There are reasons, deeply entrenched in Brazilian society, why Jair Bolsonaro’s election motto worked so well. For decades, the country was known for being home to the largest Catholic population in the world: 65 percent of Brazilians in 2010, per the Pew Research Center. But while the number of Catholics are shrinking in the country, it is by no means because the country is becoming less religious. Instead, it is connected to the advance of Evangelical Christianity.

Make no mistake: Brazil remains a God-fearing country.

“By no means can you downplay religion or toss it aside. If we discuss inequality and leave this subject off the table, people shut themselves down,” highlights Katia Maia, Executive Director of Oxfam in Brazil. The British non-profit group organization released the report “Us and the inequalities,” about Brazilians’ perception of the most severe problem that affects the country. “A nation with such a level of inequality has no chance...

Maria Martha Bruno

Maria Martha is a journalist with 14 years of experience in politics, arts, and breaking news. She has already collaborated with Al Jazeera, NBC, and CNN, among others. She has also worked as an international correspondent in Buenos Aires.