ESCAPING THE VICIOUS CYCLE OF POVERTY

The debt crises and rising inflation caused Brazil to be conspicuous of its growth in the 1980s. This led to unevenness after the poverty stricken decades of 1960s and 1970s. The country witnessed no rapid growth or reduction in poverty until the 1990s. Alteration in measures of income distribution, decentralized local decision making process and transfer the resources directly to poor rural communities resulted in Brazil’s economic development and status to improve. However, economic inequality was on a rise.

On the bright side, today Brazil’s level of economic inequality is dropping at a steady rate, better than most other countries. Research shows that between 2003 and 2009, the income of poor people has grown seven times and poverty rates have noticeably fallen.

As an effect of inequality one can see a world of contrast between the wealthy and poor in most regions of Brazil especially in cities such a Sao Paulo and Rio de Jeneiro. High rise luxury apartments are tucked away and guarded with barbed wire right opposite illegal crowded slums/favelas that are encroached on hills.

With the roots of social economic and cultural inequality in Brazil, it knows how to progress form it. The government and society are active players in doing so by creating mechanisms such as social participation and control, development programs and projects toward encouraging change in the sectors of education, health income distribution and employment.

However, the government social programs do not always reach the poorest communities in rural areas that are scattered all around geographically especially in the North-East region (a vast semi-arid area.) They are often neglected and left to the mercy of weather and crop failure. It results in, overall low human development, continued poverty and no or little access to basic services such as water, education, electricity and health care.

In an attempt to mitigate these social and economic problems, the then President Lula da Silva reinforced “Bolsa Familia” in 2003, an anti-poverty program which is aimed at hunger-eradication and gives money directly to impoverished families if they keep their children in school, go for regular medical checkups and attend nutrition and disease prevention workshops. This concluded in an impressive 40 million Brazilians to step out of poverty and join the middle class, along with economic growth and increased the focus of the nation on poverty reduction.

A part of this program also involves recognizing the poor and giving them jobs and social policies. This action has not only improved the health and lifestyle of people but also brought them new found dignity and self-esteem.

Brazil is in a continuing path to improvement. Pioneering in deep water oil research and ethanol production has led to human development and economic boom even if it’s dizzy. With the nation being host to the 2014 World Cup and Olympic Games in 2016, it is getting prepared to put on a brave and clean front and in the process, abolish poverty. There couldn’t be a better time for the world to be awed by the beauty and culture of Brazil rather than  its drawbacks. 


Palak Singh 
3753