Psychologist in Brazil faces scrutiny over hiring claims

Mara Suassuna, a psychologist and human resources professional based in Goiânia, has drawn criticism following social media videos in which she discussed recruitment trends following recent elections. Suassuna claimed that business owners had approached her recruitment firm requesting selection processes that exclude ‘petistas’ (members of the Workers' Party) in favor of right-wing candidates.

Suassuna defended her stance by citing Shalom H. Schwartz’s Theory of Basic Human Values, arguing that employers should seek employees whose values align with their own to guide behavior and decision-making. She stated that such choices are a matter of values rather than mere political ideology.

Legal and professional experts have noted that Brazilian labor legislation prohibits discriminatory practices in hiring, which can result in fines and economic sanctions. Additionally, the Professional Code of Ethics for Psychology forbids psychologists from inducing convictions or discriminatory practices. Other psychologists have criticized the remarks, suggesting that using political alignment as a hiring criterion could transform political differences into moral judgments.