Neoliberalism and its unfolding in the structural and labor context of Brazil.

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22409/54f2vm24

Abstract

Abstract: This research studies the influence of neoliberal principles on the (re)configuration of the Brazilian state and labor market, emphasizing the socioeconomic and political consequences arising from neoliberalism. The study uses a qualitative and bibliographical approach to analyze how neoliberal policies – deregulation, privatization, and minimal state intervention – were essential in modifying the Brazilian socioeconomic landscape. It then analyzes the actions of the governments from Sarney to Bolsonaro (1980-2022), highlighting the influence of the external capitalist market and the Washington Consensus on the conduct of public policies focused on the economy and the labor market, resulting in economic crises and vulnerability of the working classes. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the Workers' Party (PT) governments sought a conciliation between a government linked to neo-developmentalism, but did not completely break with the mode of government based on neoliberal logic policies. It can be concluded that neoliberalism does not represent an ideology concerned with the advancement of the country through economic sectors where the State is minimal, but rather uses the state apparatus to reinforce capital accumulation and weaken social and democratic foundations, resulting in the devaluation of the working class and the widening of social inequalities.

Keywords: Neoliberalism; Labor market; Public policies.

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Author Biographies

  • Yago Kawan Silva Vitor, Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC)

    Bacharel em Direito pela Universidade Regional do Cariri - URCA (2018-2023) e Pós-Graduação em Direito Previdenciário, Direito do Trabalho e Docência do Ensino Superior. Professor Universitário na Faculdade São Francisco do Ceará (FASC), campus Iguatu-CE. Mestrando em Avaliação de Políticas Públicas pela Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). Advogado e Pesquisador com Ênfase em Direitos Humanos, Relações de Trabalho e Direito Antidiscriminatório.

  • Kelly Menezes, Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC)

    Doutorado em Educação pela Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC); Mestrado Acadêmico em Políticas Públicas e Sociedade pela Universidade Estadual do Ceará (Uece); Graduação em Pedagogia, em Gerontologia e em Serviço Social pela Uece. Professora Adjunta do Departamento de Fundamentos da Educação da Faced/ UFC; e dos Programas de Pós-Graduação Acadêmico e Profissional em Avaliação de Políticas Públicas da UFC. Coordenadora do Curso de Especialização em Educação do Campo e Pedagogia Histórico-Crítica (Escola da Terra - CE); e pesquisadora do Programa Cientista-Chefe Terra (Funcap - CE).

Edição agosto 2026 - Revista Confluências

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Published

2026-10-02

Issue

Vol. 28 No. 2 (2026): Confluências, vol. 28, nº 2

Section

Artigos

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Copyright (c) 2026 Yago Kawan Silva Vitor, Kelly Maria Gomes Menezes

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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How to Cite

Neoliberalism and its unfolding in the structural and labor context of Brazil. Confluências | Interdisciplinary Review of Sociology and Law, [S. l.], v. 28, n. 2, p. 216–239, 2026. DOI: 10.22409/54f2vm24. Disponível em: https://periodicos.uff.br/confluencias/article/view/71556. Acesso em: 13 oct. 2026.