The purpose of this study is to discuss the care conceptions and practices of psychologists that work in the area of social policy, specifically in health (Unified Health System) and in social assistance (Unified Social Assistance System), and its interfaces with the modes of government and life management produced in the contemporary bio-political context. The study was accomplished in five localities that have in their territories Basic Health Units and Referral Centers for Social Assistance. Using participant observation and interviews, we accompanied the daily routine of the psychologists that work in these services. We identified that these professionals produced modes of care that indicate an adherence to the ideal production of subjects that are autonomous, productive and healthful, and that are aware of their rights, thereby constituting normative practices that express attempts at rupturing with the establishment.
psychology; social policies; biopolicy; production of subjectivity