Revisiting autonomy: Historical turning points in NGOs-state relations in contemporary Brazil

This article aims to identify changes in the patterns of relationship between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the State in Brazil, by focusing on how the notion of ‘autonomy’, as a key element to the formation of NGOs’ identities, has been reframed over time as a response to the changes occurred in the organizations’ broader political-institutional environment. The argument developed here emphasizes some historical landmarks that are considered as turning points in the relationship that NGOs have historically established with the Brazilian state. The article draws upon data collected through two research projects conducted with leaders of Brazilian NGOs. The first research was carried out in 2005 with a group of ten organizations located in two Brazilian cities, Recife (capital of the Northeastern state of Pernambuco) and São Paulo (capital of the Southeastern state of São Paulo); the second is still in progress and represents an update of the first research project. Both research projects utilize a combination of archival research methods, interviews and surveys, as well as a broad literature review. Preliminary results indicate that in the last few years there has been occurring a change in NGOs-State relationships mainly as a result of an increased participation of NGOs in both the implementation of governments social policies and the recently established participatory institutional channels, such as public policy councils, participatory budget committees, and public hearings.