The key point that I got from the reading was that the CCT programs have exponentially positive effects in poorer countries and the effect on richer countries can be variable. Yet the programs seem so effective, so wonderful at reducing poverty rates. I could not help but think of ways that these programs would not work in America. America does have a self determination culture as we have been talking about in class and these program would directly target the poor. The poor would be put on display to be further stigmatized and blamed for their conditions, unless mass media begins to change the way the poor are painted as lazy, ungrateful, and leaching off of the government and tax payers money. Admittedly, it is not many people who feel this way but media does portray it as such from a conservative republican side at least. The vocal minority was a concept we spoke of in class and I do believe that if CCT programs were brought up on a national scale, the vocal minority would be ready to strike.
The chapter read “The programme emphasizes opportunities for greater well-being rather than punitive measures for poor performance” which does not sound like America’s way of coping with situations. There is also the issue of bureaucracy that was cited as a reason that Brazil was having problems with their CCT programs; there were high administrative costs, people were not able to have access to what they needed quickly. This already sounds like our healthcare system as we also mentioned in class earlier. The highest amount of money spent by insurances is done on administrative work to make sure claims are filed properly and timely and directly in line with what is required of doctors, nurses, and patients. How would this equate to the CCT programs on such a massive scale? What would be the condition through which these cash transfers would occur? We do not have rampant child labor problems and most children are placed in school. Under what condition would they make people work, something similar to mandatory volunteering? These are just a few of the questions I have and reasons as to why it could not work in America.
Regardless, I believe the plans themselves are wonderful at creating a sense of community and civic responsibility while at the same time benefitting the poor. The difference would have to be which of the poor can receive the benefits as many of the people who require resources the most are unable to get them, as seen with the requirement of birth certificates, marriage papers, and the like.
