Journals Proceedings

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of the situation of the population registered under the system of social policies in the state of Bahia, Brazil, using a triangulated methodology, which combines: 1. A statistical analysis of factors associated with extreme poverty, in contrast to the moderate poverty; a qualitative discourse analysis of the beneficiaries in four municipalities on family, the use of resources and their participation in social policies; and 3. The discourse of public officials of social assistance who work in the implementation of these policies in the analysed communities. Statistical analysis shows that families who are kept in extreme poverty are also those with the greatest vulnerabilities, such as a member with disabilities, and are also those who have the greatest difficulty in accessing public services. At the same time, the qualitative analysis shows that in the great metropolis, public officials, particularly those of the social services, which should ideally be conducting active surveillance and resolution of the most vulnerable families’ problems, reproduce prejudices that reinforce the isolation and exclusion of more needy families. In a scenario in which families use the resources available for social policies to overcome their difficulties, and generate high expectations for social education and future inclusion of their children, failures in public services limit and neutralize these efforts. The great social inequality and rights, including between public and attended public servants engaged at the local level to support the elimination of poverty are the main underlying factors that keep families vulnerable and poor. Even if national policies achieve, in average, results of great impact on poverty reduction, corporate interests, prejudices and institutional discrimination at the local level are points of conflict and possible block more consistent and lasting results in the inclusion of poor families and the vulnerable.