Psicologia econômica: origens, modelos, propostas

Abstract

The main goal of this thesis is to offer data useful for the constitution and consolidation of Economic Psychology in Brazil. The underlying hypothesis is that information about this area may stimulate interest in it and create favourable conditions to build a network of researchers, based on interdisciplinary cooperation. A historical perspective has been adopted, employing the analytical-descriptive method. Introduc tion to this area, that belongs to the interface Psychology-Economics, comprehends an overview of its situation in countries where it has already been established, historical roots and origins, and the main models formulated by relevant contemporary authors within it. Historical perspectives, definitions of the discipline and three essential concepts rationality, economic behaviour and decision- making are discussed throughout this research. The last two chapters offer two models: the first one aims to contribute to the issue of decisionmaking and is based on psychoanalytical theories and observations, focusing the polarity illusion vs. thinking, supported by the conception of emotions prevailing over reason; the second one discusses potential insertions for Economic Psychology in Brazil, emphasizing the importance of informing the population on their economic behaviour and how decisions are made, which would include both knowledge about Economics and its mechanisms, and psychological operations as well, in order to help people to take over their own decision- making processes in the economic realm. It is suggested that data gathered in this research may expand the premises over which economic policies are routinely elaborated so as to bring them closer to a more realistic level, both externally and psychologically