Is Itamaraty a total institution?

The applicability of a sociological concept in a bureaucracy

Authors

Rogério de Souza Farias University of Chicago, Center for Latin American Studies, Chicago

Keywords:

Brazilian Foreign Policy, Total Institutions, Chicago School, Itamaraty

Abstract

Sociological concepts are essential to understand organizations. Few concepts are as popular as "total institutions". In this article, I present the concept, showing first its limitations to explain the life of Brazilian diplomats at the Minister of External Relations (Itamaraty). Then I explain the reason why such concept is used, despite its inadequacy.

Author Biography

Rogério de Souza Farias, University of Chicago, Center for Latin American Studies, Chicago

University of Chicago, Center for Latin American Studies, Chicago