THE LEGITIMATION OF EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE AGAINST BLACK BRAZILIANS IN BRAZIL`S URBAN PERIPHERIES

Abstract

With the rise of subjectivism mediated by market logic globalization comes to define the postmodern period, in which social relations are reframed through the commodification of the individual. This dynamic produces a social divide between consumers and so‑called “pseudo‑consumers,” thereby deepening social inequalities. This article seeks to assess the extent to which police violence is excessive and to identify the drivers of possible abuses against populations excluded from centers of consumption. Methodologically, it adopts a hypothetico‑deductive approach and a theoretical framework that brings together the concepts of the consumer society and moral entrepreneurs, while also conducting a qualitative analysis of statistical data and engaging relevant theoretical sources. From the central question why does police lethality disproportionately affect poor Black people? we hypothesize that elevated police lethality against poor Black people is propelled by media representations that stigmatize populations marginalized by the consumer society. Taken together, the conceptual synthesis, source‑based reflection, and data analysis support the proposed hypothesis.