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The last shall be first: political dimensions of conditional cash transfers in Brazil

Hall, Anthony (2012) The last shall be first: political dimensions of conditional cash transfers in Brazil. Journal of Policy Practice, 11 (1-2). pp. 25-41. ISSN 1558-8742

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Identification Number: 10.1080/15588742.2012.624065

Abstract

Early evidence suggests that Brazil's Bolsa Família (Family Stipend) program, which currently benefits over 12 million poor families, has alleviated absolute poverty. Although hailed by many as an unqualified success, its political dimensions have been largely ignored or underplayed. These include, for example, the unashamed use of Bolsa Família for electoral purposes, the spread of clientelism and patronage, and the growing dependence of Brazil's poor on income transfers rather than productive employment. Furthermore, there are indications that the popularity of Bolsa Família is encouraging short-termism in social policy. Many Brazilian policy makers now seem to view the program as mainstream social policy rather than as a temporary measure-a perspective that could undermine longer-term investments in key areas such as health and basic education.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/authors/WJPPauth.a...
Additional Information: © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group,
Divisions: Social Policy
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HN Social history and conditions. Social problems. Social reform
J Political Science > JC Political theory
Date Deposited: 07 Feb 2012 14:26
Last Modified: 06 Jan 2024 01:18
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/41799

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