Racionalidades e intencionalidades orientadoras das políticas públicas de educação financeira no contexto brasileiro contemporâneo

Abstract

This study analyzed Brazil’s National Strategy for Financial Education (ENEF), assessing its limits and scope. The discursive perspective has supported public financial education policies as important tools to promote financial inclusion and prevent excessive debt. However, these policies often focus on empowering consumers and expanding access to financial services without adequately addressing structural issues such as social and economic inequality. The research adopted a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive approach, examining ENEF documents, financial education initiatives, and interviews with relevant political actors linked to the topic. The study investigated whether these approaches can hold individuals accountable for their financial vulnerabilities, interpreting them as part of a broader global legitimization and standardization process or as a premise for reducing dependence on social policies. The results indicate that, although valuable, these initiatives need to address the deeper structural problems in Brazil. The study suggests the need for more integrated public policies adapted to regional specificities, offering new academic perspectives and contributing to improving financial education policies.