This aim of this study is to analyze the impact of macroeconomic cycles on poverty and its composition in Brazil from 1987 to 2005. Specifically, it intends to find answers to three questions: first, which demographic groups are most harmed in the recessive cycles; second, is economic growth enough to benefit all groups most associated with poverty; third, which macroeconomic policies are most associated with poverty and its alleviation. The study uses the PNAD household survey together with macroeconomic data from sources such as IPEA-DATA, The Central Bank of Brazil and The National Treasury Secretary. Using logistical regressions with pooled micro-data banks, the study found two principle results. First, economic decelerations are more harmful to people with less schooling. Second, fiscal policy significantly affects poverty: the primary surplus is associated with lower levels of well-being of the population. On the other hand, however, the federal social expenditure can be used to alleviate poverty during the critical stages of the cycles.
Macroeconomic cycles; Welfare economics; Pooled cross-section models; Brazilian economy; Poverty
