From Means-Test Schemes to Basic Income in Brazil: Exceptionality and Paradox

Abstract

This article reflects upon probabilities for the progressive implementation of a basic income in Brazil and presents a proposal to that end. It considers short- to medium-term prospects within a context that lacks a tradition of universal policies. Although a Law approving the right to a basic income became effective in 2005, Brazilian social policies are increasingly focused on increasing the number of means-tested income programmes while making them conditional on a proven lack of resources and targeting only the very poorest segments of society for a limited period. Such is the case with the Bolsa-Família programme, which is at the forefront of the Brazilian government's agenda. Our proposal is to progressively move from means-tested programmes to a basic income through the adoption of a universal child benefit scheme.