Brazilian children and the economic crisis: Evidence from the State of São Paulo

This paper briefly reviews the socio-economic conditions and the situation of children in Brazil during 1960–1980, drawing on data for the country as a whole and concentrating on the policies of the 1964–1973 years. It also examines more recent developments that led to the current crisis as well as its overall social impact on employment, food consumption and prices, and government social expenditures. The possible effects of the crisis on the welfare of children in the State of São Paulo are examined in detail. Finally, the paper reviews the government policy for protecting the poor and vulnerable in general and children in particular.