Sociology of Agroenergy: a necessary approach

Abstract

The main focus of this work is to present an additional perspective to the studies of the activities related to the production, distribution and use of energy in Brazil, especially with the efforts in the area of agroenergy. This article begins by showing the importance of energy to human’s comfort and survival, then proceeds to discussing the importance of sugar-cane (Saccharum spp.)’s history in the economical, social and cultural formation of the Brazilian Nation. Although Saccharum spp. has a long historical connection with the country, the same cannot be said about the alternatives for biodiesel’s composition until the present moment. The documentation method was employed in the historical treatment of the energy issue in Brazil. As Sociology treats the questions related to interrelationships between the technization processes and the processes of larger duration in the area of biofuels, it presents itself as an additional source for the comprehension of this important reality. The methodological-theoretical perspectives of sociology are grouped in two paths: one denominated Sociology of the Social and the other as Sociology of Associations. Both, depending on the problem being studied, present essential elements for the study of transformations that enabled (and enables) the development of biofuels in Brazil.