Conditional Cash Transfer Programs: Brazil and Mexico in a comparative perspective

Abstract

In the 1980s, Latin America experienced economic crises, with structural adjustment programs and rising unemployment, which accentuated poverty and social inequalities. Subsequently, several countries adopted Conditional Cash Transfer Programs, in a scenario of emphasis on social policies in the fight against poverty. In Mexico and in Brazil, programs were preceded by other income transfer initiatives for the poor, initiated respectively in the 1980s and 1990s. The objective of the study was to analyze the programs Bolsa Família in Brazil (created in 2004) and Oportunidades in Mexico (created in 2002). The analysis reference was based on
the historical-comparative perspective and literature review, documental analysis, analysis of secondary data analysis and semi-structured interviews were used as research techniques. Differences were observed between the programs in terms of objectives, design and conditionalities, including health. Despite some positive effects on income, health and education indicators, such programs are limited for the fight against poverty.