A política de habitação brasileira e paraibana : uma experiência de estágio na Companhia Estadual de Habitação Popular da Paraíba

Abstract

This undergraduate thesis aims to analyze housing policy in Brazil and in the state of Paraíba, linking its historical and contemporary elements to the non-mandatory curricular internship experience carried out between February 2025 and April 2026 at the State Company for Popular Housing of Paraíba (CEHAP). It is based on the understanding that housing cannot be reduced to the mere construction of dwellings, but must be understood in relation to territory, infrastructure, and access to social rights. The research adopts a qualitative approach and is bibliographical, documentary, and descriptive in nature, combined with practical experience gained during the aforementioned internship. The study discusses the historical background of housing policy in Brazil, the trajectory of housing policy in Brazil and in the state of Paraíba, the main programs aimed at rural areas, with emphasis on Minha Casa Minha Vida Rural, and the internship experience. The results show that, although there have been advances in state intervention in its role as a provider of social protection through the expansion of popular housing programs, important limitations remain, such as sociospatial segregation, precarious infrastructure, and the difficulty faced by low- income populations in gaining access to decent housing. In the case of rural housing, the study highlights the importance of recognizing the specificities of quilombola communities and other groups historically underserved by public policies. The internship experience made it possible to understand more concretely the role of Social Work in housing policy, especially in social work with families and communities in vulnerable situations. It is concluded that housing policy is fundamental, since it is both a structural and structuring dimension of human and social life; however, it must be articulated with other public policies in order to effectively contribute to reducing inequalities and guaranteeing the right to housing. In order to build more dignified living conditions for the population, a political restructuring of public authorities is necessary, one that recognizes access to all citizenship rights for every individual and family as essential, respects historical popular achievements, seeks integration among the actions of different public authorities, and promotes the expansion, improvement, and coordination of all social public policies, so as to avoid reproducing environmental racism and sociospatial segregation.