SLAVERY AND CAPITALISM IN PORTUGUESE AMERICA: AN INVENTION OR A NECESSARY ANOMALY?

Abstract

Is the coexistence of the capitalism regime and slave labor compatible? Slavery in Brazil was part of a historical period since the country was capitalist from the start and the two regimes coexisted during the period. Current discussion analyzed work relationships in Brazil, especially during the colonial period, to verify whether they were the product of capitalism or whether capitalism was established during another distinct phase of Brazilian economic history. A theoretical review contrasted the opinions and evidences by Caio Prado Junior, Florestan Fernandes, Luiz Felipe de Alencastro and others. Results show that capitalism has always been extant in Brazil and that slavery was required for its perpetuation due to the scarcity of labor hands.