Constitution, 5 October 1988

Annu Rev Popul Law. 1989:16:2, 240-50.

Abstract

PIP: This document contains major provisions of the constitution adopted by Brazil on 5 October 1988. This constitution seeks to promote the welfare of all citizens without discrimination. The equality of all citizens is guaranteed, and the equal rights of women are specifically mentioned. Property rights are also guaranteed and defined. Female inmates are granted the right to remain with their children while breast feeding. Workers are guaranteed a minimum wage, a family allowance for dependents, maternity/paternity leave, specific incentives to protect the labor market for women, retirement benefits, free day care for preschool-age children, pay equity, and equal rights between tenured and sporadically employed workers. Agrarian reform provisions are given, including the authority to expropriate land. Social and economic policies to promote health are called for, and public health services are to be decentralized, to be integrated, and to foster community participation. Pension plan and social assistance provisions are outlined as are duties of the state in regard to education. The amount of money to be dedicated to education is set out, and a national educational plan is called for to achieve such goals as the eradication of illiteracy, the universalization of school attendance, the improvement of instruction, and the provision of vocational training. Specific measures are set out to protect and preserve the environment. Family policy deals with issues of marriage, the definition of a family, divorce, the right to family planning services, and the deterrence of domestic violence. Social protection provisions cover mothers and children, handicapped persons, and protection of minors. Finally, the customs and rights of Indians are protected, with special provisions given to protect land tenure and to protect the rights of Indians in water resource development and prospecting and mining activities.

Publication types

  • Legislation

MeSH terms

  • Americas
  • Brazil
  • Conservation of Natural Resources*
  • Constitution and Bylaws*
  • Culture
  • Demography
  • Developing Countries
  • Economics*
  • Education*
  • Employment*
  • Environment
  • Ethnicity
  • Family Planning Policy*
  • Financial Management
  • Financing, Government*
  • Health
  • Human Rights*
  • Indians, South American*
  • Latin America
  • Population
  • Population Characteristics
  • Public Assistance*
  • Public Health*
  • Public Policy*
  • Social Class
  • Social Planning
  • Socioeconomic Factors*
  • South America
  • Women's Rights*