Social work and critical analyzes of the Brazilian third sector: Frankfurtian interpretations of the process of institutionalization of social movements by NGOs

Abstract

Studies in critical theory are presented as possibilities to treat the research object dialectically, overcoming a descriptive functionalist approach that is very present in current analyses. Thus, studies in relation to the third sector become more critical and immanent, gaining greater qualities when we make use of the theoretical framework of the researchers who are part of the Frankfurt school. Research on the subject of the third sector contrasts studies ranging from criticism of the social management model to great exaltations of the proposal, when they occupy a position in the economic sector. The purpose of this theoretical essay is to use critical theory to discuss the formation and structuring of NGOs, so that based on these results, new paths can be proposed for understanding the theme. For this, a dialogue with the genesis of non-governmental organizations in Brazil and the theoretical postulates of some authors from the Frankfurt school is necessary. In this way, we can achieve a certain success in the process of disalienation, when we are dealing with the creation of new sociabilities intertwined in a neoliberal construction of society, thus being able to establish a basis for criticizing the intervention of social work from these organizations.