This paper discusses data from a survey and in-depth interviews on elite perceptions of poverty in Brazil. De Swaan tried to identify the circumstances under which elites are willing to mobilize resources in order to promote poverty reduction. This paper questions if de Swaan's analysis applies...

In a world that claims to value equality, inequality persists and in many ways is even growing, despite the ethical and pragmatic challenges it poses to social, political, and economic life dimensions. Yet, progressive movements, driven by ideals and interests, emphasize the importance of equity...