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The objective of this chapter is to instruct researchers, students and professionals on how to perform research using Interpretative Case Study Methodology to analyze Information Systems (IS) in their practical contexts of production and use. The chapter will address the differences between interpretive and positivist research, as well as positioning Interpretative Case Studies (ICS) in relation to other research methods. In addition, we will discuss the quality criteria to perform an ICS in IS. We will also present techniques for conducting ICS, and how they can be used to produce knowledge about IS in practical contexts.

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Although the Brazilian "Bolsa Família" Program (BFP) was largely discussed due to its economic and social outcomes, little is known about the Information Systems (IS) that support BFP. In the context of BFP, CadÚnico system emerged as the registry for citizens who seek to qualify for BFP income transfers, as well as it is an important source of information for other public policies. This paper presents a case study of BFP's evolution over decades through the CadÚnico development. We analyze how the CadÚnico system evolved in Brazil from a fragmented, offline databases in the early 2000 to a unified, online registry essential to BFP operation. Based on enrolment operations, the paper explains how CadÚnico first attracted other ministries from the Federal Government and later attracted municipalities to data registering. By analyzing BFP IS, we bring more evidences to the political and incremental nature of IS development in developing countries.