Social policies and their limits in global south: As an example of Brasil and Bolsa Família

The aim of this study is to discuss the impact of social policies in reducing poverty and inequality that were implemented as part of the Post-neoliberal approach. The mentioned policies, conceptualized as social neoliberalism, have started to be employed especially in the developing countries before the 2008 global financial crisis. In this context, Conditional Cash Transfers are considered as means of combating poverty and inequality. In this study, though evaluated as part of neoliberal policies, the social neoliberal practices aiming at improving the status of the poor are discussed with particular reference to the Brazilian case, as an example of a comprehensive Conditional Cash Transfer program, the effects of the Bolsa Família on the poverty and inequality in Brazil are evaluated during 2003-2010. The way in which the 2008 crisis changed the current trend is also examined in this dissertation. Moreover, the degrees of improvement in the state of the poor concerning education and health services, which are compulsory aspects for the claimants to become eligible to receive cash transfers, are discussed as part of this research. This thesis is expected to contribute to the literature by revealing the impact of social neoliberalism on mitigating poverty and inequality in the Brazilian example as a critical case.