Reframing race beyond black and white: the case of Pardos in Brazil and the global challenge of rigid racial classifications - a systems approach

Abstract

Brazil's rich racial diversity, shaped by centuries of intermingling among Indigenous, European, African, Asian, and Middle Eastern populations, resists simplistic categorization. However, prevailing societal and institutional frameworks enforce a restrictive black/white binary that marginalizes pardos—mixed-race individuals comprising nearly half the population. This study employs a systems approach, integrating Niklas Luhmann's social systems, to analyze how these guiding distinctions perpetuate exclusion in social policies and organizational contexts.

Through case studies of affirmative action policies in Brazil's public universities, including the experiences of Glauco Dalalio do Livramento and André Correia Lopes, the research exposes the limitations of phenotype-based assessments in capturing the complex identities of multiracial individuals. By drawing parallels with Afro-Germans, the study highlights the global challenge of rigid racial classifications and advocates for a multidimensional framework that incorporates self-identification, ancestry, and social experiences. Additionally, genomic research underscores the necessity of moving beyond binary frameworks, revealing extensive genetic admixture that traditional categories overlook.

By redefining racial classifications and addressing false distinctions, Brazil can lead in decolonizing racial discourse, fostering equity, and celebrating its multifaceted population. This research contributes to the global dialogue on race and identity, emphasizing the importance of flexible and inclusive guiding distinctions in diverse societies.