Minimum income and social protection: historical, theoretical and contextual aspects

Abstract

This article analyzes the history of the minimum income programs and proposals, observing the relationship with social protection standards and taking into account historical, theoretical and contextual aspects. The study used bibliographical research to identify and obtain information and to understand the discussions around the theme, adopting a critical-dialectical perspective. It, therefore, demonstrates that proposals and programs appear and expand in specific contexts as a way of contributing to the material reproduction of the labor force and especially of capital. The minimum income programs are created with the participation of subjects with different theoretical background and political ideology. In developed countries, they have been built connected to the Welfare States, and are guided by different theoretical currents, complementing the services provided and other monetary social benefits. In Latin America, the incomplete social protection systems are being replaced by minimum income programs, which appeared later in the region.