<b>Work ethic and income transfer programs: implications on traditional populations</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascihumansoc.v31i1.3000

Abstract

This article argues that the devaluation of traditional cultures in Brazil is due to the process of modernization exported from the central economies to the periphery. This process gives excessive emphasis to the ‘work ethic’ related to valuable, competitive and disciplined work. This ethic guarantees social and civilizing recognition, not only in the economic sphere, but above all in other dimensions of social life. The power of such ethic determines the non-recognition and the lack of self-esteem of the traditional populations. To contribute to this debate, this article suggests the implementation of a Basic Income, which can contribute to the preservation of the culture of these peoples, in particular the remaining former slave communities (quilombolas), as these populations and people do not have a lifestyle based on modern production of economic surplus, competition and the organization of production units. The implementation of the Basic Income may help these people maintain their traditional ways of life.