Premium
Social Policy for Neoliberalism: The Bolsa Família Programme in Brazil
Author(s) -
SaadFilho Alfredo
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
development and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.267
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1467-7660
pISSN - 0012-155X
DOI - 10.1111/dech.12199
Subject(s) - conditional cash transfer , universalization , scope (computer science) , neoliberalism (international relations) , cash transfers , limiting , social protection , political science , social policy , development economics , economic growth , economics , political economy , poverty , economy , mechanical engineering , computer science , law , engineering , programming language
The Programa Bolsa Família (PBF) is one of the largest conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes in the world. CCTs have been described as a ‘magic bullet’ for development, and PBF is widely regarded as an exemplary programme. Examination of its conceptual underpinnings, features, impact and limitations shows that PBF provides substantial income support to the poorest. However, PBF is also self‐limiting and it can offer only limited long‐term gains to the poor. More significant outcomes require the expansion of the scope of PBF and other social programmes towards the universalization and decommodification of social provision in Brazil.