Modern capitalism has shaped the world, but for many scholars, its principles have disproportionately favoured the prosperity of a minority while neglecting the prospects of the majority, particularly in Southern Africa. The recent COVID-19 pandemic combined with significant inequalities of wealth has put the social policies of countries in Southern Africa to the test. It exposed the inadequacies of the current capitalist order in many countries in the global south, hindering their ability to protect their populations from the pandemic's impact. In contrast, the global north, with stronger social policies and economic flexibility, managed to cushion the severity of pandemic's economic impact on their populations in many ways, even though they suffered the most deaths. In this article, I establish how COVID-19 and neoliberal capitalism made it difficult to achieve the social developmental objectives in Southern Africa. While scholars have documented the medical and economic harms caused by the pandemic, I highlight ways that it, along with considerable inequalities of wealth, impaired social development more broadly. I conclude by establishing how the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the shortcomings of neoliberal capitalism in Southern Africa's social policies, emphasising the need for re-evaluating and re-alignment of these policies-to foster more equitable and resilient societies.

Anyone who has attended an academic conference will have witnessed the number of exceptional projects and research produced by and conducted at various institutions, often led by one or two well-known professors. Despite mostly limited budgets, these professors, academic "rockstars", if you will, (Smyth, 2017, p. 99) manage to produce many publications in the form of books, reports, policy briefs, op-eds, and attend conferences while managing full teaching loads and supervising lots of postgraduate students. So how do they manage? Without faculty-appointed support, such as Teaching Assistants, these senior academics often use their postgraduate students to do the substantial groundwork in the name of so-called capacity building to get what is known as the much-needed experience they need to advance their careers. In this paper, I discuss toxic academic practices and their impact on new and emerging researchers. Through a critical analysis, I demonstrate that toxic academic practices persist partly because of neoliberal policy contexts created in and through marketisation and techno-rationalism. Using the theoretical lens of Betrayal Trauma Theory (Freyd, 1994) I suggest that creating healthy academic work environments is crucial to realising higher education policy imperatives in South Africa. In this paper, I contribute to an under-discussed challenge in the South African academy, and I highlight how universities, through their philosophies and policies, often reward poor academic behaviour and perpetuate toxic academic environments and discrimination.

Resumen Se ofrece una discusión sobre cómo se produce una subjetividad neoliberal bajo un idealismo economicista, del mercado y de la libertad individual. Se desarrollan premisas que muestran que el neoliberalismo no solo es acción en el campo económico, sino también una pérdida de un proyecto común de sociedad y una individualización en el plano psicológico, que exige a cada persona afrontar la realidad de forma aislada y donde cada una puede alcanzar/comprar individualmente lo necesario. Se explica la idea del emprendimiento laboral como una de las estrategias neoliberales para individualizar y deslegitimar la necesidad de los Estados. Es una reflexión teórica que analiza para su desarrollo datos contextuales principalmente de Costa Rica y El Salvador, planes de gobierno, políticas públicas, proyectos de ley, discusiones públicas y notas periodísticas.

Abstract A discussion is offered on how neoliberal subjectivity is produced under an economic idealism, of the market and of individual freedom. Premises show that neoliberalism is not only a practice in the economic field but also a loss of a social project and individualization in the psychological plane that requires each person to face reality in isolation and where each one can reach/buy individually what is necessary. The idea of entrepreneurship is explained as one of the neoliberal strategies to individualize and delegitimize the need for States. It is a theoretical reflection that analyzes historical contextual data from Costa Rica and El Salvador, government plans, policies already applied, bills, public discussions and journalistic notes.

Much of the recent published research on the future contribution of the South African university system to the development of a more just society offers an evaluative framework that contains two principal assertions: firstly, South African under-graduate university students must receive state subsidies from taxpayers; and, secondly, austerity, marketisation, credentialisation, commodification, and related neoliberal conceptions of education and society have hindered efforts to achieve a more just society. This article offers a dissenting analysis that is nevertheless located within a social justice framework. It argues that a student loan system of funding the production of university qualifications is consistent with Rawlsian principles of fairness in the distribution of income and wealth. assertions firstly undergraduate under graduate taxpayers secondly austerity marketisation credentialisation commodification wealth

In this contribution, I attempt to show that Pat Carlen S (2013) argument, that the rehabilitation paradigm in the United Kingdom (UK) is redundant, is similarly applicable to the situation in postapartheid South Africa. My point of departure is therefore a shift of emphasis in attempting to apply theory from the developed world to the Third World. Since local conditions obviously differ from those in the UK, I focus my method, in particular, on a critical criminological evaluation of five aspects unique to the South African experience. This is within the context of Piketty's (2014) thesis that deepening inequality will continue exponentially, unless there is effective intervention (which seems unlikely). I consider this idea of possible paradigm redundancy along five axes which appear to be pertinent in criminal justice in the third decade of the 21st century. These referents are fairness, the presence of the prison-industrial complex, Pat Carlen's notion of the obsolescence of the rehabilitation paradigm, Reiman's Pyrrhic Defeat Theory and, finally, Steven Box's valuable concept of crime mystification. Firstly, I attempt to show by way of three well-known cases in local criminal proceedings (namely that of Zuma, Omotoso and Van der Vyver) that fairness does not necessarily benefit all accused in the same manner, as one would expect. In fact, the evidence seems to suggest the contrary, namely, that it is the rich and powerful who are able to draw most advantageously on this resource. Secondly, I argue that the repurposing of the prison from its historical justification as a centre of prevention and rehabilitation to a business model, is nowhere more visible than in the phenomenon which came to be known as the prison-industrial complex. Thirdly, I suggest, by way of application of Reiman's Pyrrhic defeat theory and Box's notion of the mystification of crime, that the marginalisation of floating populations as criminogenic within this context, serves the useful purpose of diverting the popular attention away from the far more monstrous crimes of the state and their corporate partners. I also aim to explore the impact which the "war on crime" is having on our understanding of the public/ private divide as the 21st century progresses. In order to gauge the existing rehabilitative potential of the Department of Correctional Services'sprograms and policy directives, I provide a critical overview of these, even though this consideration could amount to nothing but forced coercion. Said in another way, irrespective of the efficacy or otherwise of DCS's rehabilitation and resettlement mandate, the question is and remains how sustainable and realistic such efforts at rehabilitation are, if the social and economic conditions on the ground are criminogenic. Before heading into a discussion, I reflect on the probable theoretical perspectives which these five trends in criminal justice might give rise to. After a prolonged discussion, in which I weigh the evidence of a blurred private/public demarcation, as the 21st century wears on, I conclude that this dichotomy is likely to become more complex, as it not only deepens, but also becomes more blurred. The emergence of a third space (exile) is also possible in neoliberal government's punitive management of urban marginality. In conclusion, I suggest that the crime rehabilitiation paradigm in South Africa has, to an extent, become redundant, but, considering the partial success which DCS has achieved with its numerous ongoing rehabilitation programs and the repurposing of the Department's mandate from purely punitive to that of a rehabilitation-driven institution, the implications for possible policy reformulation are multi-factoral. The complete rejection of the rehabilitation paradigm in South Africa, even though certainly comprehensible, is not recommended. The question that remains, however, is to what extent rehabilitation and resettlement programs can be defended in view of the wider social and economic conditions which militate against sustainable rehabilitation in principle, and are in fact, criminogenic.

In hierdie bydrae word gepoog om aan te toon dat Carlen (2013) se standpunt dat die rehabilitasieparadigma in Brittanje uitgediend is, eweneens op postapartheid Suid-Afrika van toepassing is. Aangesien omstandighede hier ter plaatse egter uiteraard verskil van dié in die Verenigde Koninkryk, spits ek my metodiek in besonder toe op 'n krities-kriminologiese oorweging van vyf unieke aspekte van die Suid-Afrikaanse ervaring. My vertrekpunt is dus 'n klemverskuiwing. Eerstens poog ek om aan die hand van drie welbekende gevalle in plaaslike strafregverrigtinge (naamlik Zuma, Omotoso en Van der Vyver) aan te toon dat billikheid nie noodwendig alle beskuldigdes tot dieselfde mate begunstig nie, maar hoofsaaklik tot wesenlike voordeel van welgesteldes en gesaghebbendes dien. Tweedens wys ek daarop dat die gebruiksverandering van die gevangenis na 'n besigheidsmodel, nêrens in groter mate sigbaar is as by die verskynsel wat bekend staan as die gevangenis-industriële kompleks nie. Derdens betoog ek, aan die hand van Reiman se pyrrhusnederlaagteorie en Box se gedagte van die versluiering van misdaad, dat die verguising van die uitgeslotenes ("urban marginality") as kriminogenies binne hierdie konteks die nuttige doel dien om aandag van staatsmisdade of dié van die staat se korporatiewe bondgenote af te lei. Teen hierdie agtergrond oorweeg ek die gedeeltelike sukses wat met rehabilitasiebeleid en -praktyke ter plaatse behaal is. Laastens kom ek tot die gevolgtrekking dat die rehabilitasieparadigma wel tot 'n mate in Suid-Afrika uitgediend is, die implikasies vir nuwe beleidsformulering veelvlakkig is en word die algehele verwerping van hierdie paradigma in die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks nie aanbeveel nie.

Resumen: Dada la emergencia de políticas transnacionales que establecen diseños programáticos, metas y objetivos para guiar a los contextos locales en la construcción políticas nacionales orientadas a la disminución de las brechas sociales para fomentar el desarrollo económico, se hace necesario analizar cómo se construye discursivamente la sexualidad juvenil como un objeto a ser gestionado en el marco de las políticas transnacionales. Para ello se realizó un estudio cualitativo empleando un Análisis Crítico del Discurso de un corpus de documentos que establecen directrices y orientaciones técnicas para el desarrollo de una problematización e intervención sobre la sexualidad juvenil desde la educación chilena. Los resultados abordan la configuración de una superficie textual como continuo material por el cual transcurre un modo de acción; una dimensión discursiva que expone tres problematizaciones; a) bienestar para el fomento económico, b) población estratégica para le potencial humano y c) temática estratégica para le potencial humano; y finalmente, el anudamiento de dichos componentes en un dispositivo identificado como Educación Integral de la Sexualidad. Se discuten las implicancias políticas y sociales de la perspectiva desde la cual se establen lineamientos de focalización sobre la sexualidad juvenil, así como el establecimiento de políticas neoliberales que apelan a la capacitación temprana como una forma de gobierno de las poblaciones en base al desarrollo de habilidades, conocimientos y hábitos para una prevención individual de los riesgos contextuales como modelo para evitar barreras al desarrollo económico de los países.

Abstract: Considering the emergence of transnational policies that establish programmatic designs, goals and objectives to guide local contexts in the construction of national policies aimed at reducing social gaps in order to promote economic development, it is necessary to analyze how youth sexuality is discursively constructed as an object to be managed within the framework of transnational policies. A qualitative study was carried out using a Critical Discourse Analysis of a corpus of documents that establish guidelines and technical orientations for the development of a problematization and intervention on youth sexuality from Chilean education. The results address the configuration of a textual surface as a material continuum through which a mode of action takes place; a discursive dimension that exposes three problematizations; a) welfare for economic development, b) strategic population for human potential and c) strategic thematic for human potential; and finally, the knotting of these components in a device identified as Comprehensive Sexuality Education. The political and social implications of the perspective from which focalization guidelines on youth sexuality are established are discussed, as well as the establishment of neoliberal policies that appeal to early training as a way of governing populations based on the development of skills, knowledge and habits for individual prevention of contextual risks as a model to avoid barriers to the economic development of countries.

Resumo: Dado o surgimento de políticas transnacionais que estabelecem desenhos programáticos, metas e objetivos para orientar os contextos locais na construção de políticas nacionais destinadas a reduzir as brechas sociais a fim de promover o desenvolvimento econômico, é necessário analisar como a sexualidade juvenil é construída de forma discursiva como um objeto a ser administrado no âmbito das políticas transnacionais. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo qualitativo utilizando uma Análise do Discurso Crítico de um corpus de documentos que estabelecem diretrizes e orientações técnicas para o desenvolvimento de uma problematização e intervenção sobre a sexualidade juvenil na educação chilena. Os resultados abordam a configuração de uma superfície textual como um continuum material através do qual ocorre um modo de ação; uma dimensão discursiva que expõe três problemáticas; a) bem-estar para a promoção econômica, b) população estratégica para o potencial humano e c) temática estratégica para o potencial humano; e finalmente, o nó desses componentes em um dispositivo identificado como Educação Sexual Integral para a Sexualidade. São discutidas as implicações políticas e sociais da perspectiva a partir da qual são estabelecidas diretrizes de focalização da sexualidade juvenil, bem como o estabelecimento de políticas neoliberais que apelam ao treinamento precoce como forma de governar populações com base no desenvolvimento de habilidades, conhecimentos e hábitos para a prevenção individual de riscos contextuais como um modelo para evitar barreiras ao desenvolvimento econômico dos países.

Abstract This work presents a discussion on social protection for families in the context of crises, reflecting on the development of social protection policies within capitalism and the challenges that these policies face in times of crisis, fiscal adjustment, and the advance of neoliberal trends. The analysis is centered on the reality experienced by Brazilian families, considering the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, the provision and consolidation of social protections for families are understood as responsibilities of the State, going beyond constitutional legality and encompassing a broader concept of social security. The methodology used consisted of a literature review, as well as reflections and discussions accumulated throughout the academic research and extension process linked to the Study and Research Group on Social Protection and Families (GEPPSFAM) at Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT).

Resumo O trabalho apresenta o debate sobre proteção social às famílias no contexto de crises, em que se realiza reflexões sobre o desenvolvimento das políticas de proteção social no capitalismo e os desafios postos a essas políticas diante da crise, do ajuste fiscal e do avanço das tendências neoliberais, tendo como campo de análise a realidade vivenciada pelas famílias brasileiras, considerando o contexto da pandemia do Covid-19. Entende-se, portanto, a oferta e a consolidação das seguranças sociais às famílias como responsabilidades do Estado e a concepção de seguridade social para além da legalidade constitucional. A metodologia se deu a partir de uma revisão de literatura, e de reflexões e debates acumulados construídos no processo acadêmico de pesquisa e extensão vinculadas ao Grupo de Estudos e Pesquisas em Proteção Social e Famílias (GEPPSFAM) da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT).

Resumen En este trabajo se hace una interpretación acerca del nexo entre bienestar, el Estado y la política pública como instrumento de gobierno, para lo cual se explora en torno a la naturaleza de estos conceptos. Se argumenta que el bienestar es la representación positiva de la experiencia vivencial humana que comprende una gama amplia de dimensiones. El Estado, por su parte, se desarrolla a la par del sistema capitalista, y el involucramiento del mismo en asuntos relacionados con el bienestar de los individuos es producto de una relación funcional entre la reproducción del mismo y la exigencia creciente hacia la atención de necesidades humanas. Esta relación se refleja en políticas públicas (política social),que a su vez son un reflejo de la ideología dominante. Se realiza una interpretación de la reconfiguración del rol estatal y su involucramiento en el tema social dentro del paradigma neoliberal.

Abstract This paper addresses the links between well-being, the role of the State and public policy.We explore the nature of these concepts and outline the nexus amongst them. It is argued that well-being encompasses different dimensions amounting to the human life experience. The State develops concomitantly to the capitalist system; its involvement with human well-being is the consequence of the need to address the needs of the people since they are essential to the reproduction of the capitalist system, but is also the consequence of the growing demands of people to meet their needs. This relationship reflects the ideological tenets that underpin different policy arrangements and instruments.We examine how well-being and the role of the State through social policy have been redefined during the neoliberal paradigm.

RESUMO Este artigo propõe compreender, na perspectiva da Teoria da Complexidade, e por meio da reflexão teórica crítica, a precarização do trabalho enquanto realidade no mercado brasileiro do trabalho público da saúde e sua influência nos resultados de uma política pública baseada no paradigma teórico/ prático da Atenção Psicossocial Territorial. Traça uma possibilidade de problematização sobre o tema central, por meio dos princípios: sistêmico, hologramático, círculo retroativo, recursivo, autonomia/ independência, dialógico e o da reintrodução do conhecimento em todo conhecimento, propostos por Edgar Morin, diante das discussões e dos estudos realizados pelo Grupo de Pesquisa Vida e Trabalho sobre a precarização do trabalho e a saúde mental em campo concreto. Essa reflexão propõe-se a ser fonte de reconhecimento para os atores, sobre as causas reais da precarização, que derivam do modo de exploração do trabalho em saúde em estreitamente próprio da aplicação do receituário neoliberal em estados burocráticos autoritários situados na periferia do capitalismo dependente. A reflexão permitiu a compreensão do todo e das partes que constituem o problema, reconhecendo as causas reais da precarização, ao contrário da culpabilização dos trabalhadores da saúde mental, diante das condições insalubres, da jornada de trabalho e da insegurança sobre os direitos sociais e direitos trabalhistas.

ABSTRACT This article proposes to understand, from the perspective of Complexity Theory, and through critical theoretical reflection, the precarization of work as a reality in the Brazilian public health work market, and its influence on the results of a public policy based on the theoretical/practical paradigm of Territorial Psychosocial Care. It outlines a possibility of problematizing the central theme, through the principles: systemic, hologrammatic, retroactive circle, recursive, autonomy/independence, dialogic, and the reintroduction of knowledge in all knowledge, proposed by Edgar Morin, in view of the discussions and studies carried out by the Life and Work Research Group on the precariousness of work and mental health in a concrete field. This reflection is intended to be a source of recognition for actors on the real causes of precariousness, which derive from the way in which health work is exploited, which is closely related to the application of neoliberal prescriptions in authoritarian bureaucratic states located on the periphery of dependent capitalism. The reflection allowed the understanding of the whole and the parts that constitute the problem, recognizing the real causes of precariousness, which blame mental health workers, in the face of unhealthy conditions, working hours, and insecurity about social rights and labor rights.

Resumo Os impactos da pandemia do novo coronavírus na sociedade brasileira revelaram um cenário que extrapola uma crise sanitária. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as causas e consequências de uma crise sistêmica sob a ordem econômica neoliberal lastreada na proeminência dos mercados e da exclusão social, enquanto o papel do Estado como garantidor de direitos sociais é negligenciado. A metodologia adotada segue uma perspectiva interdisciplinar crítica dos campos da economia política e das ciências sociais presente em relatórios socioeconômicos referidos nesta análise. Argumenta-se que a racionalidade neoliberal, orientando as políticas governamentais e presente no ambiente social, contribuiu para um aprofundamento das desigualdades estruturais no Brasil, gerando condições propícias para o agravamento dos impactos causados pela pandemia na sociedade, em particular nos segmentos sociais mais vulneráveis.

Abstract The impacts of the recent coronavirus pandemic on Brazilian society revealed a scenario that goes beyond a health crisis. This article sets out to present the causes and consequences of a systemic crisis in the neoliberal economic order based on the prominence of markets and social exclusion, while the role of the State - as the guardian of social rights - is neglected. The methodology adopted follows a critical interdisciplinary perspective from the fields of political economy and social sciences, located in socioeconomic reports referred to in this analysis. It is argued that the neoliberal rationale guiding government policies, which is deep rooted in the social environment, has contributed to the increase in structural inequalities in Brazil, thus creating favorable conditions for exacerbating the impacts caused by the pandemic in society, particularly among the most vulnerable social groups.

Abstract The impacts of the recent coronavirus pandemic on Brazilian society revealed a scenario that goes beyond a health crisis. This article sets out to present the causes and consequences of a systemic crisis in the neoliberal economic order based on the prominence of markets and social exclusion, while the role of the State - as the guardian of social rights - is neglected. The methodology adopted follows a critical interdisciplinary perspective from the fields of political economy and social sciences, located in socioeconomic reports referred to in this analysis. It is argued that the neoliberal rationale guiding government policies, which is deep rooted in the social environment, has contributed to the increase in structural inequalities in Brazil, thus creating favorable conditions for exacerbating the impacts caused by the pandemic in society, particularly among the most vulnerable social groups.

Resumo Os impactos da pandemia do novo coronavírus na sociedade brasileira revelaram um cenário que extrapola uma crise sanitária. Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar as causas e consequências de uma crise sistêmica sob a ordem econômica neoliberal lastreada na proeminência dos mercados e da exclusão social, enquanto o papel do Estado como garantidor de direitos sociais é negligenciado. A metodologia adotada segue uma perspectiva interdisciplinar crítica dos campos da economia política e das ciências sociais presente em relatórios socioeconômicos referidos nesta análise. Argumenta-se que a racionalidade neoliberal, orientando as políticas governamentais e presente no ambiente social, contribuiu para um aprofundamento das desigualdades estruturais no Brasil, gerando condições propícias para o agravamento dos impactos causados pela pandemia na sociedade, em particular nos segmentos sociais mais vulneráveis.

RESUMO Este artigo propõe compreender, na perspectiva da Teoria da Complexidade, e por meio da reflexão teórica crítica, a precarização do trabalho enquanto realidade no mercado brasileiro do trabalho público da saúde e sua influência nos resultados de uma política pública baseada no paradigma teórico/ prático da Atenção Psicossocial Territorial. Traça uma possibilidade de problematização sobre o tema central, por meio dos princípios: sistêmico, hologramático, círculo retroativo, recursivo, autonomia/ independência, dialógico e o da reintrodução do conhecimento em todo conhecimento, propostos por Edgar Morin, diante das discussões e dos estudos realizados pelo Grupo de Pesquisa Vida e Trabalho sobre a precarização do trabalho e a saúde mental em campo concreto. Essa reflexão propõe-se a ser fonte de reconhecimento para os atores, sobre as causas reais da precarização, que derivam do modo de exploração do trabalho em saúde em estreitamente próprio da aplicação do receituário neoliberal em estados burocráticos autoritários situados na periferia do capitalismo dependente. A reflexão permitiu a compreensão do todo e das partes que constituem o problema, reconhecendo as causas reais da precarização, ao contrário da culpabilização dos trabalhadores da saúde mental, diante das condições insalubres, da jornada de trabalho e da insegurança sobre os direitos sociais e direitos trabalhistas. compreender Complexidade crítica teórico Territorial central princípios sistêmico hologramático retroativo recursivo autonomia independência Morin concreto propõese se atores dependente problema insalubres trabalhistas

ABSTRACT This article proposes to understand, from the perspective of Complexity Theory, and through critical theoretical reflection, the precarization of work as a reality in the Brazilian public health work market, and its influence on the results of a public policy based on the theoretical/practical paradigm of Territorial Psychosocial Care. It outlines a possibility of problematizing the central theme, through the principles: systemic, hologrammatic, retroactive circle, recursive, autonomy/independence, dialogic, and the reintroduction of knowledge in all knowledge, proposed by Edgar Morin, in view of the discussions and studies carried out by the Life and Work Research Group on the precariousness of work and mental health in a concrete field. This reflection is intended to be a source of recognition for actors on the real causes of precariousness, which derive from the way in which health work is exploited, which is closely related to the application of neoliberal prescriptions in authoritarian bureaucratic states located on the periphery of dependent capitalism. The reflection allowed the understanding of the whole and the parts that constitute the problem, recognizing the real causes of precariousness, which blame mental health workers, in the face of unhealthy conditions, working hours, and insecurity about social rights and labor rights. understand Theory market theoreticalpractical practical Care theme principles systemic hologrammatic circle recursive autonomyindependence autonomy independence autonomy/independence dialogic Morin field exploited capitalism problem workers conditions hours

Pretendemos identificar os principais aspectos e interesses da política Neoliberal e seu esforço em utilizar o Estado como um instrumento para beneficiar o capital financeiro, o aparelhando e o equiparado à Empresa privada. Nosso objetivo é mostrar que o capitalismo, com suas crises econômicas e sociais cíclicas, não oferece alternativas para superar o desemprego, assim como, a desigualdade que se espalha em todos os países. No setor financeiro e nas grandes empresas houve uma política sem precedentes de abertura de fronteiras com a redução dos direitos trabalhistas e sociais. Entretanto, essa política deve ser analisada e ponderada. privada capitalismo cíclicas desemprego países Entretanto ponderada

In Neoliberalism, Public Policy, and Inequality: An Analysis Mainly of Brazil, we intend to identify the main aspects and interests of neoliberal politics and its effort to use the State as an instrument to benefit financial capital, equipping it and equating it with the private company. Our objective is to show that capitalism, with its cyclical economic and social crises, does not offer alternatives to overcome unemployment, as well as the inequality that spreads in all countries. In the financial sector and in large companies, there was an unprecedented policy of opening borders with the reduction of labor and social rights. However, this policy must be analyzed and considered. Neoliberalism Policy Inequality Brazil capital company capitalism crises unemployment countries companies rights However considered

Abstract Raised to a level of legitimacy in synch with the global social order of capitalism, modern science describes and prescribes standards for the ethics of care, aesthetic consideration of bodies, and for the layouts of health policies. This study aims to analyze the health field in the light of postcolonial and public policy theories, presenting the challenge of interdisciplinarity as a counterpoint to the establishment. This is a comprehensive review of literature on public policies and postcolonial theories, exploring the main productions of the area in order to unveil current dynamics and trends. A decolonial theoretical framework was adopted to explore perspectives of ethics, aesthetics and politics in the health field. The caring practices dimension of health work has been minimized in detriment of a professionalism impregnated by emotional distancing and neutrality, which is increasingly focus on technological innovations. In search for “health care”, the individuals carry socially and scientifically constructed demands, but their knowledge is often delegitimized. Given the current neoliberal agenda, it is imperative to discern the challenges surrounding the Brazilian health system and to strengthen local cultural knowledge.

Resumo Elevada a um patamar de legitimidade juntamente com a ordem social global do capitalismo, a ciência moderna descreve e prescreve padrões sobre a ética do cuidado, a estética dos corpos e os desenhos das políticas de saúde. Este estudo objetiva analisar o campo da saúde à luz das teorias pós-coloniais e de políticas públicas, apresentando o desafio da interdisciplinaridade como contraponto ao establishment. Trata-se de uma revisão compreensiva de literatura sobre as políticas públicas e as teorias pós-coloniais, explorando produções da área com o intuito de desvelar dinâmicas e tendências atuais. Para as análises, adotou-se um referencial teórico decolonial visando explorar perspectivas da ética, estética e política no campo da saúde. A dimensão cuidadora do trabalho em saúde tem sido minimizada em detrimento de um profissionalismo permeado de distanciamento emocional e neutralidade, que está cada vez mais centrado em avanços tecnológicos. Na busca por “cuidado à saúde”, os indivíduos carregam demandas social e cientificamente construídas, tendo seus saberes, muitas vezes, deslegitimados. Perante a agenda neoliberal em curso torna-se imperativo discernir os desafios que cercam o sistema saúde brasileiro e fortalecer os saberes culturais locais.

Abstract: This article aims to discuss recent aspects of Brazilian social assistance policy, considering the incidence of the radicalization of the neoliberal project on its services and the characteristics of its intervention in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. We chose as a central analysis theme the relationship between the aforementioned policy and the management of the most precarious and impoverished workforce, which in general have made up the target audience of this field of social protection. Based on the foundations of the Marxist critique of social policy, the approach to social assistance seeks to reveal the contradictions inherent in this social security policy, questioning the main elements of the tightening of fiscal adjustment in Brazil. These reflections solidify the bases for the analysis about the condition of this policy in the management of the most impoverished workforce from the determinations of the Covid-19 pandemic. The research, of a qualitative nature, is based on a literature review and analysis of empirical data from primary and secondary sources.

Resumo: O presente artigo objetiva discutir aspectos recentes da política de assistência social brasileira, considerando a incidência da radicalização do projeto neoliberal sobre seus serviços e as características de sua intervenção no contexto da pandemia da Covid-19. Elegemos como mote de análise central a relação entre a referida política e a gestão da força de trabalho mais precarizada e empobrecida, que no geral têm composto o público-alvo deste campo de proteção social. Tomando como base os fundamentos da crítica marxista da política social, a abordagem da assistência social procura desvelar as contradições inerentes a esta política de seguridade social, problematizando os principais elementos do endurecimento do ajuste fiscal no Brasil. Essas reflexões sedimentam as bases para a análise acerca da condição dessa política na gestão da força de trabalho mais empobrecida a partir das determinações da pandemia da Covid-19. A pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa, se assenta em revisão bibliográfica e análise de dados empíricos de fonte primária e secundária.