**The Role of State Governments in Social Assistance Policy**

• Grant number: 25/01712-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Political Science - Public Policies
• Principal Investigator: Renata Mirandola Bichir
• Grantee: Guilherme Nunes Pereira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Letras e Ciências Humanas (FFLCH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/07616-7 - CEM - Center for Metropolitan Studies, AP.CEPID

Abstract

The aim of this research proposal is to analyze the role of state governments in the implementation of social assistance policy in Brazil between 2012 and 2024, following the consolidation of the Unified Social Assistance System (SUAS), through the lens of multilevel governance. The research employs mixed methods, beginning with a quantitative analysis of all 26 Brazilian states, followed by in-depth case studies of four representative states. The focus is on classifying states based on service provision and municipal coordination, as well as identifying institutional and political-relational factors that explain subnational variations. This study aims to fill a gap in the literature by systematically analyzing the role of state governments in social assistance policy, moving beyond the argument that states are largely absent from SUAS. Additionally, it seeks to expand knowledge on federalism and social policies in Brazil, providing insights into the role of state governments in public policy development.