O Estado social ativo: Um novo paradigma legitimador das políticas públicas em Portugal

Abstract

In this article we set out a critical reflection on state activation policies, based on an analysis of the empirical results of sociological research on the implementation of public policies on adult education under the New Opportunities Initiative framework in Portugal. Based on depictions of the specialists who are responsible for implementing this measure, the new public policies paradigm centered in the idea of an active social State is questioned, since it can be seen that not all beneficiaries are viewed as having the characteristics needed to meet the State’s activation ideology. From a qualitative study using in-depth interviews with adult educators, it was possible to build a beneficiary typology that relates to a multiplicity of modes of relation to the proposals of state activation.

Keywords

• active social State
• adult education
• New Opportunities Initiative
• public policies
• social inequalities