Brazilian Education Policies: Consequences of a National Curriculum

This qualitative and theoretical study aims to discuss the possible consequences of a National Common Curriculum Basis in basic-level education in Brazil in the context of curriculum policies. Official documents and state discourse were analyzed using a dialectical methodology. Gramscian theory serves as the basis for the theoretical foundation of this work, which discusses whether the Common National Basis promotes emancipation or constitutes a regulatory instrument. Hegemonic structures were found in the Common Basis, as content selection testifies to one group's vision of what should be taught - a regulatory exercise. The results indicate that salvaging reflective praxis in place of a culture of management - typical of a business approach to research in education policy - seems fundamental in reclaiming the value and importance of intellectuals organizing emancipatory projects.