Trajectory of social assistance as a right and uncertain future of the unified system of social assistance

Abstract

The public policy of social assistance in Brazil has a peculiar trajectory, going from punctual and disorderly actions under the scrutiny of philanthropy, to a policy of nationally organized law through the Unique System of Social Assistance, SUAS. This article analyzes the trajectory of this public policy in Brazil, explaining the ways in which the construction of SUAS was developed and contextualizing it in the broader scenario of Brazilian social policies. Given the political situation that has triggered a deep political crisis in the country, which particularly affects social policies, it also indicates the challenges to social assistance in the current scenario.