Social Welfare Programs and Poverty Reduction in Brazil

Authors

  • Lucas Costa

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47604/jpid.2585

Keywords:

Social Welfare Programs, Poverty Reduction

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze the social welfare programs and poverty reduction in Brazil.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: Social welfare programs like Bolsa Família in Brazil have significantly reduced poverty by targeting the poorest segments of the population. Research shows these programs have improved education, healthcare, and nutrition outcomes among beneficiaries, breaking intergenerational cycles of poverty. Additionally, they've stimulated local economies, but challenges remain in ensuring sustainability and addressing persistent inequalities.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social capital theory, institutional theory & capability approach may be used to anchor future studies on analyze the social welfare programs and poverty reduction in Brazil. Enhancing the effectiveness of social welfare programs requires attention to program design, implementation, and delivery mechanisms. Policy recommendations should focus on institutional reforms and policy interventions aimed at maximizing the impact of social welfare programs on poverty reduction.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alves, E. L., Soares, F. V., & Perobelli, F. S. (2020). Spatial Distribution of Bolsa Família Beneficiaries: Implications for Poverty Reduction Policies in Brazil. Revista Brasileira de Estudos Regionais e Urbanos, 14(3), 335-359.

Barros, R. P., Foguel, M. N., & Ulyssea, G. (2010). The Impact of Bolsa Família Program on Income Distribution and Poverty Reduction. Brasilia: International Poverty Centre.

Castro, I. R., Cardoso, C. B., & Paes-Sousa, R. (2018). Bolsa Família Program and Food Security: A Mixed-Method Evaluation. Ciência & Saúde Coletiva, 23(10), 3451-3462.

Costa, F. D. S., Soares, F. V., & Soares, S. (2019). Bolsa Família Program, Child Labor, and School Attendance: A Comparison between Non-Beneficiary and Beneficiary Households. International Journal of Social Welfare, 28(3), 285-296.

CSA Ethiopia (Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia). (2020). [Ethiopian Household Consumption-Expenditure and Welfare Monitoring Survey (HCWS)]. https://www.statsethiopia.gov.et/

Firpo, S., Fitch, C. A., & Ulyssea, G. (2014). Does Bolsa Família Reduce Poverty? A Non-Experimental Evaluation. Journal of Economic Inequality, 12(2), 263-285.

Lima, E. E., Medeiros, M., & Paz, T. F. (2020). Effects of Bolsa Família on Intergenerational Poverty Dynamics: A Long-Term Analysis of Conditional Cash Transfer Impacts in Brazil. World Development, 136, 105057.

North, D. C. (1990). Institutions, Institutional Change, and Economic Performance. Cambridge University Press.

Oliveira, V. G., Castro, I. R., & Paes-Sousa, R. (2021). Conditional Cash Transfer Programs and Social Inclusion: A Study on Indigenous Peoples in Brazil. Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública, 45, e26.

Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon and Schuster.

Santos, M. L., Falcão, T. H. M., & Castro, I. R. (2019). Perceptions and Experiences of Families Benefited by Bolsa Família. Revista Baiana de Saúde Pública, 43(3), 515-530.

Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford University Press.

Silva, A. F., Soares, F. V., & Otero, L. B. (2018). The Impact of Bolsa Família on Poverty Reduction: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation. Journal of Development Economics, 133, 127-144.

Soares, S., Ribas, R. P., & Osório, R. G. (2010). Evaluating the Impact of Brazil's Bolsa Família: Cash Transfer Programmes in Comparative Perspective. Latin American Research Review, 45(2), 173-190.

Downloads

Published

2024-05-29

How to Cite

Costa, L. . (2024). Social Welfare Programs and Poverty Reduction in Brazil. Journal of Poverty, Investment and Development, 9(1), 26 – 36. https://doi.org/10.47604/jpid.2585

Issue

Section

Articles