Discontinuities and continuities of the Hygienist Movement in Brazil of the 20th century

Abstract

In the 19th century arrived to Brazil a new ideal whose central preocupation was the health. It was called "Hygienist Movement". We test one hypothesis: that their purposes would continue in vogue until the end of 20th century, contradicting the thesis that the movement would be enclosed on the 30's or 40's. We accomplish a historical research comparing the ideals of the "hygienists" of the beginning of the 20th century in Brazil with the ones of the nowadays researchs of Physical Education in Brazil. Therefore, we state that the "Hygienist Movement" of the early 20th century in Brazil extrapolate the tradicional classification in periods that considers its finished in the 30's or 40's, and it continues with its heterogeneous ideals until the end of the 20th century.