National Human Resource Development in Transitioning Societies in the Developing World: Brazil

The problem and the solution. This article explores and describes Brazil within the transitioning contexts of economic, political, and sociocultural growth and development. Although major components of its economy participate in the global marketplace, significant portions of its population live in poverty, poor health, and illiteracy. Its history includes a colonial past marked by the use of slavery, gross inequalities between races and in educational opportunities, uneven development of the economy, and prevailing race-oriented political parties-all of which play an influential role in the emergence of human resource development as a national need and priority. These imbalances are being addressed through the actions of multinational corporations, labor unions, educational institutions, and governmental agencies. Through the analysis and synthesis of available literature and data, the national human resource development needs, goals, and strategies pertinent to this transitioning society in the developing world are explored.