Introduction
Latin America is one of the most unequal region of the world. Inequality in the region could be traced far back to the Spanish colonial era. Due to the mercantilist political economy of the Spaniards, certain groups such as the European elites, merchants and wealthy landed classes were favoured through the provision of rents while others –natives and slaves –were neglected (Mahoney 2010, 21).
However, in recent years, Latin American countries including Brazil have been on the forefront in the battle against poverty and inequality. Efforts by the ‘left governments’ that came to power in the early 2000’s in reducing poverty and inequality have been hailed across the world, especially by the United Nations (UN) and its agencies. Among others, the establishment of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs by various governments in the region, expansion of social services in sectors such as health (Family health program in Brazil) and education to social classes that have previously been sidelined have contributed to the significant fall in the level of poverty and inequality in the region. Most countries in the region are currently at the forefront, in terms of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) –a testimony to the effectiveness of the newly established social programs in the region.
In Brazil, social development through the creation and expansion of social services have been the main focus of the ‘left party’ since early 2000’s. In particular, the establishment of Bolsa Familia- a CCT program with the aim of transferring cash to poor families in the country, with the condition that children attend school and health clinic on a regular basis have been praised and widely attributed to the sharp decline i...
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...ocial Protection Discussion Paper no. 0709, May 2007
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Sanchez-Ancochea, Diego and Mattei, Lauro. “Bolsa Familia, Poverty and Inequality: Political and Economic Effects in the Short and Long Run” Global Social Policy 11, no. 2-3 (2011): 299-318
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Soares. Fabio, Ribas. Rafael, and Osorio, Rafael. “Evaluating the Impact of Brazil’s Bolsa Familia: Cash Transfer Programs in Comparative Perspective” Latin America Research Review 45, no. 2 (2010): 173-190
Models for post-revolutionary Latin American government are born of the complex economic and social realities of 17th and 18th century Europe. From the momentum of the Enlightenment came major political rebellions of the elite class against entrenched national monarchies and systems of power. Within this time period of elitist revolt and intensive political restructuring, the fundamental basis for both liberal and conservative ideology was driven deep into Latin American soil. However, as neither ideology sought to fulfill or even recognize the needs or rights of mestizo people under government rule, the initial liberal doctrine pervading Latin American nations perpetuated racism and economic exploitation, and paved the way for all-consuming, cultural wars in the centuries to come.
Globalisation has been crucial to the economic and social development of Brazil. In the late twentieth century Brazil face years of economic, political and social instability experiencing high inflation, high income inequality and rapidly growing poverty. However after a change of government in the 1990s and large structural changes in both the economic and social landscapes, the brazilian economy has been experiencing a growing middle class and reduced income gap. Since the start of the 21st century, brazil has benefitted from the move to a more global economy.
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how Brazil, a country with an extremely high rate of inflation and low growth, positioned itself as the 7th largest economy of the world and what are the challenges that the country is facing. First of all, the Real Plan of Fernando Henrique Cardoso and how it helped the country to stabilize its economy and drop down the inflation rate will be discussed. Secondly, how his successor’s policies, Luis Inácio Lula da Silva, improved country’s economy. At the end the challenges that Dilma Vana Rousseff, the current president, is facing will be discussed.
Burns, E. B., & Charlip, J. A. (2007). Latin America: an interpretive history (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall.
The globalization of ideas and policies has consequences that hinder social reproduction. The effects of globalized neoliberal policies are apparent in Sonagachi. Neoliberal policies influence free market economies, individualism, and privatization, which contradict previous existing structures in their society. Dominant cultures view poverty as a result of weak government that can be fixed by neoliberal policies. International organizations such as the World Bank pressure less developed countries to implement market economies, which privatizes the family and reverses social policies that citizens rely on. The lack of social policies and government assistance force children into the working sphere to help provid...
Filh, Alfredo Saad. "Neoliberalism, Democracy, and Development Policy in Brazil." DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIETY June 2010: 1-28.
Clements, Benedict. "The Real Plan, Poverty, and Income Distribution In Brazil." IMF.org. IMF, n.d. Web. 14 Feb. 2014. .
Przeworski, A., 2004. Capitalism, Development and Democracy. Brazilian Journal of Political Economy, Vol. 24, No. 4 (96), Pp. 489-497
One of the benefits of globalization on a social level is an increased Human Development Index. The Human Development Index is a measurement of a country's social, political, and economical growth in comparison to other countries in the world. The Human Development Index rates each country with a score between 0 and 1, with 1 being the most advanced, globalized country. Factors that are involved in determining a country's HDI are gross domestic production per capita, life expectancy at birth, adult literary, and the number of persons enrolled in educational institutions. In 1975, Peru's Human Development Index was a 0.643. By 2003, the Human Development Index had risen more than one tenth to 0.762. The substantial increase of Peru's HDI is a clear indication that globalization has made a positive impact. From 1975 until 2003, globalization has caused a 2% increase in the adult literacy rate. During the same time period, the poverty rate to dropped 6%. Women's fertility rates have also dropped. In 1975, women had an average of 6 children each. In 2003, that average dropped to less than 3 children per woman. (Genovese 457-8) When fertility rates drop in developing countries, such as Peru, it is usually an indication that there is an increase in women's liberation. Women are no longer facing as much social pressure to have lots of children and stay home to raise them. By having fewer children, women are exposed to more opportunities for employment. The role of women as housewives and domestic servants is rapidly changing. Women in Peru have begun to experience liberation and equality, mostly due to the spread of globalization. (Bowman 551-59)
The neoliberal policies have benefited some people in generating great wealth for them, but controversially, the policies have failed to benefit the people who live in extreme poverty and those people are the most in need for financial support (Makwana, 2006). In the last 2 to 3 decades, the wealth disparity between nations as well as within nations has increased. Currently, one out of every 5 children in the United States is in a state of poverty, continual hunger, insecurity and lack of health care (MIT, 2000). This situation is becoming even more desperate. Between 1960 and 1980, the developing countries’ economic growth was 3.2 percent. Then it dropped significantly to 0.7 percent between 1980 and 2000, and this is the period when neolibe...
Brazil has many developmental goals they have hoped to attain. Economic policy since the late 1960s has had three prime objectives: control of inflation, gradual improvement of the welfare of the poorest sector, and a high economic growth rate (Encyclopedia of Nations). Also there are the Millennium Development Goals set out by the United Nations to developing countries, such as, reducing poverty, increase education gender equality, reduce child mortality and improve maternal health, combat diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and devel...
Samuel Seium. Brazilians started to immigrant to the United States of America in large numbers during the 1980s. The main reason for the immigration has been over economic reasons because in America they can receive higher wages and a lower cost of living. Brazil’s economy is now one of the most successful in the world. However, In America, a Brazilian can make four times more money working the same job. Brazilians were also interested in being able to increase their savings accounts in America so they can live comfortably during retirement. More people in Brazil are receiving a college education than ever before. However, the job market in Brazil has not grown to include these graduates so the market is leaving many qualified individuals struggling
Milanovic, B. (2012). Global inequality: From class to location, from proletarians to migrants. Global Policy, 3 (2), 125-133.
Poverty is an ever-growing problem throughout our modern world, with millions living in its extremes. There are many consequences of poverty and the way they affect children and family life is absolutely detrimental. Poverty can be simply defined as “the state of one who lacks a usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions” (Encyclopedia Britannica 2014). There are two distinct variations of poverty – absolute poverty and relative poverty, which will be further discussed throughout this essay. The total number of people worldwide who live on less than $2.50 (the bare minimum of the poverty line) is 3 billion (Global Issues, The Human Development Report, 2012). According to many, there are a varied number of consequences for those who live in poverty, especially children and families. The effects of poverty have proven to have detrimental effects on child development and the nature of family life. Saunders (2005) reiterates these factors of poverty in his book “The Consequences of Poverty”. This essay will state the many aspects of poverty and the detrimental effects its holds within child development, family life and the health of indiviudals.
The changes of educational policies in Brazil can be examined by looking at the many different parties that have taken over Brazil throughout the years. During the time of the Old Republic, there was a strong relationship of clientelism and agrarian oligarchies. The result of this oligarchy created diverse educational policies that only benefited the elite. However, at the end of the Old Republic and beginning of the Vargas era, Vargas was mainly interested in industrialization and modernization, with education falling behind his true interests. After the end of the Vargas era and the beginning of the Fourth Republic, there was a strong increase of educational backwardness. Under the leadership of president Jucelino Kubitscheck, Brazil’s primary funding went towards energy, transportation, industry, and education, with education only receiving around 3% of total investments. Briefly in 1964, Brazil was apart of a military dictatorship. During this time, education was seen as an important part of the development program, however, there was no funding towards secondary education. This lack of funding contributed to the division among social classes. The lack of funding towards secondary education only affected those of lower income while the rich continued to progress in their education, receiving higher-paying jobs. It is evident that throughout the years the best interests of citizens of Brazil have not been taken to heart, with those in power taking advantage of average