Brazil

“Food Security” versus Cash Transfers: Comparative Analysis of Social Security Approaches in India and Brazil

“…Though the exact design of the program differs between the nations where it has been implemented, the basic function is that they "supply monetary benefits as long as recipients can demonstrate that they have met certain conditions" [12]. As CCT-benefits are typically restricted to families with children, these conditions most often include minimum attendance in school and children having vaccinations and regular medical check-ups.…”

“…CCT programs have been both praised and subject to a critique from activists and scholars. The most common criticisms have focused on the "inadequate targeting and means testing by government agencies responsible for them" [12], meaning that not all of the intended recipients are able to access the benefits and that the gendered nature of the program, as the benefits are usually deposited in the mother's bank account, may serve to reinforce female caregiver stereotypes and to off-load the work of social reproduction onto women without adequate compensation from the state [13]. Nevertheless, the programs have shown effectiveness at both, reducing particularly extreme poverty, and increasing school attendance and educational attainment rates [14].…”

“…To some extent, these differences of approach may reflect concrete realities, such as a lack of privatesector food providers in some rural areas of India, rather than a fundamental philosophical difference. Still, given that, as Lavinas points out, investment in "fundamental areas of social provision" (for example, health, education and public housing) has lagged economic growth in Brazil, there has seemingly been a substitution of decommodified access goods in favor of cash transfers [12]. Lavinas accuses this approach of ignoring the act, that "the more universal social protection systems are the more redistributive in their impact" [12], and that conditional programs like the Bolsa may, unwittingly or not, undermine the solidarity necessary for such systems to flourish.…”

“…Still, given that, as Lavinas points out, investment in "fundamental areas of social provision" (for example, health, education and public housing) has lagged economic growth in Brazil, there has seemingly been a substitution of decommodified access goods in favor of cash transfers [12]. Lavinas accuses this approach of ignoring the act, that "the more universal social protection systems are the more redistributive in their impact" [12], and that conditional programs like the Bolsa may, unwittingly or not, undermine the solidarity necessary for such systems to flourish. An additional objection can be raised to the governing logic of the Bolsa program in terms of the conditions attached to the benefits.…”

Sociología moral del dinero en el mundo popular

“…Las madres de sus nietos han empezado a cobrar las becas de ayuda escolar del gobierno; su hijo menor ha ingresado a un plan social para trabajar en una cooperativa de construcción. Los programas de transferencias monetarias condicionadas se habían convertido en el paradigma de política social en todos los países de América Latina (Lavinas, 2013). El dinero llega a las familias a través del Estado, bajo planes diseñados por expertos de organismos internacionales como el Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo o el Banco Mundial.…”