Governance practices regarding poor and black children in the early twentieth century

Abstract

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14244/198271991159

The paper aims to present and discuss the governance practices towards poor and black children in the early twentieth century, with Michel Foucault as the analytical reference. Poor and black children became the focus of these practices, as they were seen as dangerous and endangered, vulnerable and submitted to poor living conditions. Consequently, they stood as a social problem to be ruled by and for the community. The governance practices acted towards promoting the removal of these children from the streets and instilling an intense educational activity based on hygienist and eugenicist assumptions. The effect of such practices was the systematic control of their lives. More than being in danger, the children brought in themselves the very idea of danger, as they threatened a political project of constitution of the Brazilian nation. Therefore, poor and black children in the early twentieth century were seen as individuals who needed protection and "treatment", as they were the victims of poor, vulnerable living conditions, without a family foundation. The governance practices meant to develop political actions that involved different segments, along with the families and the school, by creating desirable ways of life and cultures and by controlling the undesirable outcomes.

Keywords: Black children, Poor children, Governance practices.