O IBGE e a ação governamental de João Goulart

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística-IBGE) and the João Goulart Government (1961-1964), around a nodal point which was the publication of the institute entitled Ação Governamental de João Goulart (Government Action by João Goulart), released to the public in January 1964. Linked to this central point, the work examines important episodes that marked this relationship, such as the Working Group that discussed the national statistical system, in 1962; the debates on agrarian reform in light of the preliminary results of the Agricultural Census, in 1962 and 1963; the Triennial Plan (Plano Trienal), in 1963, among others. The thesis investigates relevant aspects of the Institute's history and the antecedents that will determine IBGE's actions in the period. The verified hypotheses emphasize the role of statistics as a source of legitimacy and authority committed by the João Goulart Government in order to demonstrate the correctness and rationality of its government program and project intertwined with issues of development and economic and social planning. The thesis also verifies the publication's dissemination and trajectory as an instrument of defense of the Government, based on the statistics of its achievements. Well accepted when launched by the president of IBGE, Roberto Accioli, after the deposition of president of the Republic João Goulart it was considered a “subversive” publication.