STATE, SOCIAL POLICIES AND SOCIAL SERVICES IN BRAZIL: CHALLENGES AND CONTRADICTIONS INTERPOSED BY THE ULTRANEOLIBERAL OFFENSIVE

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between the modern state, social policies, and social services in Brazil, considering the historical transformations of capitalism and their contradictions. Its objective is to critically reflect on how the state, as an expression of class domination, articulates these policies and social services, as well as the impacts of contemporary changes. The methodology adopted is qualitative, based on a literature review to support the analysis. The main results show that social services act as a mediator between the state and society, addressing social tensions while maintaining the reproduction of the workforce, highlighting the challenges posed by the current ultraneoliberal offensive. The study concludes that the professional category needs to reinforce its ethical-political project to face the challenges imposed by this context.