Neoliberalism, Reduction of Social Rights, and Social Services in Brazil

Abstract

This article analyzes the social and economic impacts of the implementation of Brazilian Federal Government policies as guided by neoliberal ideology. Through a bibliographical survey, the text analyzes how the implementation of neoliberal policies, especially after the coup d’etat in 2016 which removed President Dilma Rousseff from the Presidency of the Republic, has affected and is affecting the lives of workers in the education and social security sectors (health, care, and welfare). It also analyzes how Brazilian Social Work positions itself in training and professional work in the fight for human rights. The data presented shows that in the education, health, social assistance, and social security sectors, workers are suffering from multiple social impacts that hinder social reproduction: high unemployment rates, privatization of education and health, compromised retirements, degradation of labor legislation, and cuts in the expenditure on social service policies. Brazilian Social Work seeks to link together the process of social struggle that has returned to the defense of human rights, through the process of training and professional practice, supported by the Ethical-Political Project of Social Work.