Title_ Social Policy Beyond Neoliberalism: From Conditional Cash Transfers to Pro-Poor Growth

Author_ Alfredo SAAD-FILHO

Pages 67-94

Abstract_ This article offers a political economy critique of thefastest-growing modality of social policy in the world: conditionalcash transfer programs (CCTs). CCTs allocate small conditionaltax-funded sums to the “deserving destitute” as part of a strategy ofmoderation of inequality, poverty management and containment ofdissent. This article argues that, while this modality of social policycan improve the circumstances of the poorest in the short-term, italso subsidizes low wages and supports the reproduction of poverty.CCTs are, then, the social policies naturally associated (“best fit”)with neoliberalism. A pro-poor alternative is outlined that can leadto faster improvements in living conditions, expand citizenship andbreak the reproduction of poverty and inequality under neoliberalism.

Keywords_ Neoliberalism, Poverty, Inequality, Social policy, Conditional Cash Transfers