These Brazilians, Osmar and Maris Ferreira are part of the emerging lower-middle class ("C Class") who are rethinking their roles and expectations for the future. Cheap credit allows people like the Ferreiras and other members of the lower-middle class to participate in the tourism industry. In fact, the C Class now accounts for half of the passengers traveling by plane in Brazil.
From the outside, it looks like another step for Brazilians on the path towards a stronger economy, but Brazilians from the upper classes aren't exactly celebrating. Many upper echelon Brazilians complain that they're experience overcrowding in airports, and that their favorite vacation spots are being inundated with less refined clientele. Call it frustration with change, or just plain snobbery, or whatever you like, but anthropologist Robert DaMatta calls the Brazilian "resistance to equality." Traditionally, titles and hierarchy are woven into the Portuguese culture, so Brazilians naturally want to be seen as set apart. In a poll taken by Data Popular, 48% of the A and B Classes said that "the quality of services has worsened now that they are more accessible," and about half admitted their preference sharing experiences and places with those in the "same social level." As a third party spectator, this appears to be a natural step towards economic strength for the BRIC member.
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