THE IMPACT OF THE INEFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICIES

Abstract

This paper investigates how the failure of public education and social assistance policies acts as a vulnerability factor for the entry of individuals into crime, especially in contexts of social inequality in Brazil. The research problem that guides the study is: how does the ineffectiveness of these public policies contribute to social vulnerability and entry into crime, and how can state action transform or perpetuate this scenario? The general objective is to study the impact of public policies on criminalization and resocialization processes, identifying their effects and gaps. The specific objectives include: analyzing how underinvestment and unstable education and social assistance services increase the likelihood of crime; investigating the relationship between social inequality, discrimination and access to justice; evaluating the effectiveness of social programs such as Bolsa Família and the Child and Adolescent Assistance Service (CRAS) in crime prevention; studying the role of education as a social protection factor; identifying the challenges faced by prison systems in the resocialization process; and making recommendations to strengthen comprehensive public policies. The methodology adopted combines a bibliographic review of classical theories on crime and social vulnerability, an analysis of recent statistical data and a critical evaluation of public policies and social programs. The results suggest that the lack of adequate investment and the fragmentation of public policies perpetuate exclusion cycles, making crime a viable option for vulnerable groups. The study concludes that comprehensive structural reforms are essential to break this logic and promote social inclusion.