<b>The Constitution of 1988 in Brazil and social assistance: trajectories of social inclusion and poverty combat

Abstract

Throughout its historical trajectory, Brazil has enacted and/or granted eight Constitutions, which over the years were implemented according to the socioeconomic orientations of its bureaucratic and political agents. The difference between the first Constitution of 1824 and the present Constitution of 1988 is evident, which has been modified with the intention of ensuring the precepts of equity among all the members of the national community, thus seeking to achieve Welfare. Thus, this article intends to investigate the historical trajectory of the Brazilian legislations that have transformed some social policies into citizenship rights. For this qualitative study, bibliographic and documentary research were used as methodological instruments, in which we analyzed a broad set of legislation composed of constitutional texts and ministerial regulations that institutionalized and regulated the field of social assistance throughout the country, guaranteeing to all citizens minimum access to state resources that ensure improved quality of life. Analyzing this historical process, it is evident the expansion of the social rights established and guaranteed by the 1988 CRFB, and which is therefore known as the Citizen Constitution.