Study Session Report: “Minoritarian Liberalism”
On November 21, 2024, IDEAFUND Co., Ltd.(Founder & CEO: Naoko Okawachi, Tokyo) hosted held an internal study session centered on “Minoritarian Liberalism: A Travesti Life in a Brazilian Favela” by Moisés Lino e Silva, exploring the complex nature of “freedom” as depicted in the book and discussing the anthropological perspectives necessary to understand it.
Book Summary
Normative liberalism has promoted the freedom of privileged subjects, those entitled to rights—usually white, adult, heteronormative, and bourgeois—at the expense of marginalized groups, such as Black people, children, LGBTQ people, and slum dwellers. In this visceral ethnography of Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Moisés Lino e Silva explores what happens when liberalism is challenged by people whose lives are impaired by normative understandings of liberty. He calls such marginalized visions of freedom “minoritarian liberalism,” a concept that stands in for overlapping, alternative modes of freedom—be they queer, favela, or peasant.(The University of Chicago Press)
Discussion
The discussion highlighted the complexity of “freedom” as portrayed in the book, emphasizing how it is shaped by the constraints and restrictions experienced by people in the field, both past and present. The methodological concept of Assemblage, which is discussed in the book as a means to understand such complexities, was also explored in depth. While the book depicts the intricacies of freedom through ethnographic accounts, some participants questioned whether framing freedom in the favela as “minoritarian” might oversimplify the diversity of people’s lives. Additionally, there was a discussion about reverse anthropology, where the author reflects on how their own background influences their fieldwork, and how ideafund might apply this approach in its practices.
A Word from the Presenter
I was reminded of the value of ethnographic methods in describing concrete realities to better understand abstract concepts like freedom. Considering that anthropologists act as a medium to translate what happens in the field, I believe practicing reverse anthropology, which involves reflecting on one’s own background and position, is essential in any anthropological research.d during this session. Thus, I intend to continue exploring ways anthropology can contribute to breaking down silos. — Mio Taguchi
About IDEAFUND
IDEAFUND is a professional research company located in Tokyo. With the corporate mission of “Accelerate Innovation with an Idea,” IDEAFUND Co., Ltd. brings together professionals in fields such as cultural anthropology. We are committed to deriving insights and creating new business needs through behavioral observation research. Since its foundation in 2018, its founder, Naoko, and her colleagues have applied the methodology of cultural anthropology to market/consumer research. Through this approach, we aim to gain a comprehensive understanding of consumers and users, thereby identifying opportunities for innovation.
- IDEAFUND CO., Ltd.
- https://ideafund.co.jp/en/
- ESOMAR Corporate Member
Contact info:
info@ideafund.co.jp