1. Brazilian Context: chalenges of Brazilian society in 2011 Prof. Lourival dos Santos(PhD) (UFMS)‏ l.santos@globo.com

2. Why Brazil “Took off?” - Maturement of democratic institutions - Good international economical conditions during and after world finacial crisis in 2009 - Investiment in internal market (minimun salary increase, 'bolsa família' (family aid) banks under state regulation)‏

3. Main obstacles to the Economical Development - Weak infraestructure - Dependence of agriculture comodities - Low value of exportation products - Low investiment in national tecnology - Regional disparities

4. Obstacles to Democratic Institutions Development - Mass media monopoly (under control of oligarchical families)‏ - Corruption: dificulties to stablish Modern relationships due the traditionals colonial structures - Difficulty in the access to the legal system - Low level of formal education - Lack of democratic tradition

5. Political Perspectives -Lula left the Presidence with more than 80% of popular aproval - Dilma Roussef (PT) has better support from the Congress than Lula - Political and tributaries reforms? - Maintanence of Economical Politics

6. Some Cultural Keys - Soccer and Soap Operas (novelas) as metaphores for social relations and sociability - Soccer and nationalism:'A Pátria de chuteiras' ( A Nation in soccer shoes – Nelson Rodrigues)‏ - Preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup - Carnival: most important celebration in Brazilian Society