Cadernos de Pesquisa
Print version ISSN 0100-1574
Abstract
VIEIRA, Lívia Maria Fraga. Mal necessário: creches no departamento nacional da criança (1940-1970). Cad. Pesqui. [online]. 1988, n.67, pp.3-16. ISSN 0100-1574.
The article traces back the policies set up by Brazilian DNCr (National Department for Children, created in 1940) on daycare, along its 30 years of existence, as part of broader policies regarding the assistance to maternity and childhood in Brazil. The study of its publications shows that daycare institutions were seen as an evil, though necessary, as an important weapon in the struggle against infant mortality. The analysis shows how, from a speech that fought the old caretakers issued from lower strata, favoring a hygienic control, policy makers end up by proposing, towards the end of the 60's, a kind of simplified care, using voluntary local personnel in a perspective of community development.
Keywords : Creches; Mortalidade infantil; Assistência à infância; Escolas maternais.