A ‘Primeira dama’ no exercício do poder: a dominação ‘doméstica’ do Estado

Abstract

This study has as object of research the patrimonialistic practices in Brazilian politics, focusing on the symbolic figure and policy of the 'First Lady'. We start from the understanding that the patrimonialism, as a practice founder of the first lady's policy function, is supported by the conceptual scheme of tradition understood as a form of domination. The work of the first lady appears to the history of Brazil in the imperial period, with Dona Leopoldina having the first strong evidence of this particular women's political role. Thus, the study aimed to understand the phenomenon from the representation of three remarkable figures in the history of women in Minas Gerais, Brazil, highlighting and reflecting the characteristics that constitute this political function and its role in the local government. In order to reach these aims, we sought, through bibliographical and documentary research, reflect about the history of women, especially Maria da Cruz, Joaquina do Pompéu e Tiburtina (who are, for the historiography, remarkable women from northern and northwestern Minas Gerais state), problematizing aspects of gender and patrimonial power around their political actions and presenting themselves as exponents of the symbolic function of the first lady in the public stewardship/administration. The study sought to emphasize the female presence in decision-making processes in the formation of the Brazilian society and the backlands of Minas Gerais, where remarkable women have intervened in the course of history and local development. Therefore, it is understood that the first lady carries not only a women's political rise, but also a clear “bid rigging” of the public administration in favor of aristocratic interests of her family. She is one of the key parts of the patrimonial structure of public administration that came to take shape in the dynamics of the Brazilian state.