The institutionalization of “youth” as subject of public policies in Brazil: the CONJUVE at scene

Abstract

The objective of this article is to identify some traces of the process of institutionalization of the "youth" as subject of public policies in Brazil. This discussion is based on the analysis of the movements of some political actors of the National Youth Council (CONJUVE) and their contradictions and tensions about the institutionalization of public policies for/of youth, as well as the constitution of a public fund that makes them viable. It is brought research data developed between the years 2012 and 2016, in which we have the collaboration of groups elected for the composition of CONJUVE in the 2012-2013 and 2014-2015 administrations, in addition to having heard other political actors of the Council. These data were collected through semi-structured interviews, participation and observation of activities, as well as document examination. The results indicated that the defense of access to the public fund is found in discursive plan of political actors and there are ambiguities regarding the functions of CONJUVE and even the absence of regimental competences that allow it to make effective propositions, including of budgetary matters. It was observed the coexistence of demands for income redistribution and recognition of their identities, as well as the strong presence of political parties and the student movement in the leadership of political actions and debates, although the discourse is oriented towards the participation of diverse youths.