Colonial inheritance in the Public Museums of the City of Recife: The Presence of the Patrimonialism in the Choice of its

Abstract

In specifics Brazilian regions, particularly the northeastern one, the marks of patrimonialism are strongly present in day-by-day life and work routine of society. This has contributed to the emergence of problems and malfunctions in the administration of public organizations from several sectors. Specifically, in the cultural sector of Pernambuco, organizations seem to function as instruments of maintenance of the power emerged from local oligarchies. Motivated by these questions, this study aims to analyze the effects of patrimonialism on the selection of the public museum managers in the city of Recife. Therefore, we adopted a qualitative research approach, through the use of diverse methods adjusted according to the stage of investigation. To answer to the main objective, this work uses the life history method, structured on the realization of a narrative interview with a director of a representative sample. Results reveal the presence of some cultural characteristics decisive on the operation of museums. These denounces do not intend to support a fully-managerial treatment for these organizations, but to incentive the adoption of administrative practices that suit the requirements and specificities of the museums.