Estudos sobre sindicalismo rural no Brasil: transformações, permanências e os 60 anos da Contag

This work analyzes the field of studies on rural unionism in Brazil and is divided into two parts. In the first part, we examine key events and studies on the trajectory of rural unionism, with a focus on the experience of Contag. In doing so, we introduce the articles that make up this thematic section. We cover the following themes: dictatorship and transitional justice; local-level performance; multiplication of political subjects in the Brazilian rural context and union pluralism; land conflicts; family farming, public policies, and the relationship between unionism and the state; strengthening of minority groups within unionism. In the second part, we revisit some of the main theoretical perspectives that have marked union studies in Brazil. From this, we suggest incorporating new important approaches, especially in the last two decades, although in a preliminary synthesis that requires further exploration.