Protection and Recognition of People Experiencing Homelessness: A
Study on the Quality of Public Policies for BPC Beneficiaries
public policies; homelessness; social ties; health; social assistance.
The study investigates the quality of public policies for people experiencing
homelessness (PEH). It explores how public health and social assistance policies create bonds of
protection and recognition for PEH, considering the impact of stigma and the receipt of the Benefício de
Prestação Continuada (BPC). Achieving equality relies on public policies' ability to forge social bonds
of protection and recognition within contexts of discrimination and benefit reception. The study's primary objective is to characterize and understand how public health and social assistance policies regulate the social bonds of PEH who are BPC beneficiaries, aiming to promote equality throughidentifiable patterns of social connection. This main objective is divided into three specific objectives:
1) to map and analyze the overall configuration of social bonds for PEH who are BPC beneficiaries ; 2)
2) to map and analyze the dynamics of bonding within public health and social assistance policies ; 3) to
determine how the regulatory action on these bonds manifests through public policies, considering the
impact of stigma, discrimination, and benefit receipt. The thesis's opening chapter argues that academic
research on the quality of public policies for people experiencing homelessness aligns with the national
political context. During times when participation is restricted, the focus tends to be on ensuring
minimum existential conditions. Conversely, an emphasis on power relations, respect, and dignity
intensifies during periods that encourage social involvement.