The initial years of a child’s life are crucial for cognitive development, with poverty as a substantial threat. The examination of the widespread impact of social policies on cognitive development has become increasingly pertinent in academic, economic, and public policy discussions. Among these policies, Cash Transfer Programmes (CTPs) are tools designed to address critical social determinants of child health. At the core of CTP mechanisms of change is an essential figure: the mother. This thesis explores the intricate interplay between poverty, cash transfer policies, cognitive development, and the mother. Operationally, this PhD research centres on the Brazilian Bolsa Família Programme (BFP), widely regarded as the world's most extensive conditional CTP.
Additionally, it leverages the Pelotas Birth Cohort, one of the largest birth cohorts in low and middle-income countries, and official data from the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development. Through a systematic review and two longitudinal studies, the research investigates the dimensions of mothers' control influenced by CTPs and the specific effects of BFP. The systematic review identifies heightened maternal control over financial resources, particularly in food purchasing, with implications for basic survival needs. Positive impacts on small livestock ownership suggest savings strategies in rural areas, but variations in sexual and reproductive rights outcomes highlight urban-rural disparities. Employment findings underscore the complexity, emphasising shifts toward informal and temporary employment. However, notable gaps persist in exploring dimensions like mobility, legal resources, education, and healthcare access. The longitudinal studies, based on the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort and the Brazilian Ministry of Social Development dataset, reveal a null impact of BFP on the cognitive development of 6-year-old children. Similarly, there is no influence on mothers' control in their living environment or a reduction in symptoms of maternal depression over the follow-up periods, except for a modest and negative impact in one comparison group at the 1-year follow-up. The monthly per capita value of BFP, approximately 3 British pounds, appears insufficient to bring about substantial changes. In contrast, maternal education and per capita income significantly influence the observed outcomes. While these findings may differ from previous discussions on the Brazilian programme, they contribute to the global literature on CTPs' impacts on mothers' mental health and children's cognitive development. The study challenges the initial hypothesis and emphasises that the BFP is not a panacea for all maternal and childhood-related outcomes. Addressing cognitive development and maternal well-being complexities requires discussions on enhancing the BFP benefit and investing in broader public policies to mitigate social inequalities. Only through such measures can the positive effects of the CTP extend beyond immediate survival needs, contributing to meaningful improvements in the lives of children and their mothers.
