Estado e sociedade na construção de políticas públicas de enfrentamento à fome e à pobreza no Brasil contemporâneo

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the complex and multidimensional socio-cultural phenomenon of fighting hunger as an effective public policy applied in different historical contexts in Brazil. In this sense it highlights the participation of several institutions and governmental and non-governmental social actors, their processes of political participation, their fights for rights and citizenship and the power relations in the construction of policies to combat poverty in current times. Furthermore, it asserts that the historical movement that culminated into the elaboration and promulgation of the Federal Constitution in 1988 was an expressive landmark in the transformation of the State’s social intervention, by expanding the field of social rights with relevant impacts in public policies concerning social protection in Brazil. Among the main advances in this area, stands out the definition of Social Security as a basic system of protection, articulated and integrated with pensions, health and social assistance policies. Following the creation of new social rights by the above-mentioned Constitution, a rich scenario emerges, marked by analysis, studies, propositions and political dispute aiming to regulate its provisions. Thus, according to the Constitution, some social policies assume a universal character, in tune with the new, socially demanded, dimensions of Brazilian citizenship, breaking with the paradigm of ‘regulated citizenship’ (SANTOS, 1979), that until that moment conformed what was the national system of social protection in Brazil. The redemocratization brought back poverty as a fundamental issue. Thereafter the rebuilt of citizenship reaffirms the equality of all citizens regarding political participation, while universalist ideals are consolidated as guidelines of political action in the field of citizen protection, whether in the field of civil rights, or in the field of social rights. Thereby reaffirms equality and recognition of citizens, regardless of their economic status. In the context of formulation and implementation of public policies, National Councils played a significant role as a specific arrangement. According to this approach, National Councils were hybrid institutions that participate with government and civil society representatives, among which we focus, particularly, in the actions of the National Council for Food and Nutritional Security (Consea) and the Solidary Community Program