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Brazil’s Bolsa Familia: Neighborhood and Racial Group Networks

Author

Listed:
  • Marcelo Arbex

    (Department of Economics, University of Windsor)

  • Jessica Faciroli

    (Department of Economics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil)

  • Ricardo da Silva Freguglia

    (Department of Economics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil)

  • Marcel de Toledo Vieira

    (Department of Statistics, Federal University of Juiz de Fora, Brazil)

Abstract

Are families that live in the same neighborhood and share similar characteristics more likely to participate in welfare programs? Using a unique administrative data set, we study beneficiaries of the Bolsa Familia - the Brazilian cash transfer program - from 2013 to 2015. We analyze data containing information on the living conditions of the most vulnerable families, such as income, household characteristics, schooling, and disability. An eight-digit zip code defines a neighborhood. Families form a network if they live in the same neighborhood and belong to the same racial group. We provide evidence that place of residence and racial group networks are important determinants of the family participation in the program. Individuals in a neighborhood-racial group network are 6.5% more likely to participate in the Bolsa Familia. We conduct several robustness checks - controlling for family unobserved characteristics, network density and coverage (percentiles) distributions - to further qualify our results.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcelo Arbex & Jessica Faciroli & Ricardo da Silva Freguglia & Marcel de Toledo Vieira, 2022. "Brazil’s Bolsa Familia: Neighborhood and Racial Group Networks," Working Papers 2201, University of Windsor, Department of Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wis:wpaper:2201
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • I38 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Government Programs; Provision and Effects of Welfare Programs
    • H53 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - Government Expenditures and Welfare Programs

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