The Brazilian sociologist Jessé Souza began his career following academic studies at the University of Brasília, Heidelberg University, and The New School. Born in Natal in 1960, his professional output spans the fields of sociology, social inequality, and social class. He is a writer, jurist, and university teacher who has contributed significantly to the discourse regarding Brazilian social structures.
Academic Background and Professional Tenure
Souza holds a doctorate and has served as a university teacher throughout his career. His academic path included international institutions, notably Heidelberg University and The New School. Beyond his scholarly research, he participated in public administration. On 2 April 2015, he became the president of the Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea), a position he held until his contract was terminated in May 2016 following the presidential transition to Michel Temer.
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His extensive body of work focuses on the construction of social inequality and the history of Brazilian society. Major publications include 'A Modernização Seletiva: Uma Reinterpretação do Dilema Brasileiro' (2000), 'A Construção Social da Subcidadania' (2006), and 'A ralé brasileira: quem é e como vive' (2009). His research continued in 2010 with 'Os batalhadores brasileiros: Nova classe média ou nova classe trabalhadora?' and he later examined political corruption and history in 'A Elite do Atraso: Da Escravidão à Lava Jato' (2017) and 'A tolice da inteligência brasileira' (2015).
Public Controversy
In February 2026, Souza released a video discussing international scandals and geopolitical themes, which involved accusations directed at Jewish organizations and Zionism. The content drew a formal repudiation from the Jewish Confederation of Brazil (CONIB). While Souza deleted the initial video and provided a clarification, the incident prompted a criminal complaint to the Federal Public Prosecution Office to investigate potential incitement to prejudice.
Fast facts
- Born: 1960, Natal, Brazil
- Occupations: Sociologist, writer, jurist, university teacher
- Academic background: University of Brasília, Heidelberg University, The New School
- Public service: President of Ipea (2015–2016)
- Primary research field: Social inequality
- Selected work: A Elite do Atraso (2017)
Questions readers ask
What is the primary focus of Jessé Souza's sociological research?
His work concentrates on social class, social inequality, and the historical construction of citizenship in Brazil.
Did Jessé Souza hold any government positions?
Yes, he served as the president of the Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea) from April 2015 to May 2016.
Achievements
- Fields: sociology, social inequality and social class
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