The Brazilian cash transfer program (Bolsa Familia): A tool for reducing inequalities and achieving social rights in Brazil

Conditional cash transfer programs are strategies used by countries over the past two decades, and they play a key role in reducing income inequalities and expanding access to basic services such as health and education. The Brazilian Cash Transfer Program (Bolsa Familia), the largest conditional cash transfer program in the world, aims to bring immediate poverty alleviation and eradicate hunger. The objective of this study was to analyse the contributions of the Brazilian Cash Transfer Program for reducing social inequalities and ensuring the right to health, food, education and social assistance in Brazil. A review of the scientific literature published between 2003 and 2020 was conducted, associated with documentary research on government websites. There was a relationship between the Brazilian Cash Transfer Program, reduction of child mortality and increase in access to Primary Health Care services; increased access to food, including in natura; higher school attendance and reduced dropout. However, no improvement in the nutritional status of the families entitled to the program was observed, nor the interruption of the intergenerational cycle of poverty was ensured. The Brazilian Cash Transfer Program continues as a potent intersectoral policy for reducing inequities, which reinforces the need to strengthen and combine complementary policies to expand its effects.

Automated summary

Conditional cash transfer programs have been utilized by countries in the past two decades as a key strategy in reducing income inequalities and expanding access to basic services. The Brazilian Cash Transfer Program, the largest in the world, aims to alleviate poverty and hunger. While the program has shown positive impacts in areas such as reducing child mortality and increasing access to healthcare and education, there are still challenges in improving the nutritional status of beneficiary families and breaking the cycle of poverty.