Utilização da moeda social como meio de desenvolvimento sustentável - estudo de caso da inovação social ocorrida em Maricá/RJ

Abstract

Brazil is a country of extreme inequality, and therefore, it has severe situations of poverty, school dropout and violence. This inequality is the result of several social processes that occur since colonization and, unfortunately, occur until present days. One of the solutions, which has been used in order to minimize the consequences of this inequality, is the implementation of some social currency’s projects. This concept is fully adherent to the 2030 Agenda, which has at least one objective of eradicating social inequality and some others that, indirectly, combat inequality globally. Maricá, a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, is one of the places where social currency is used. The project is an initiative to distribute income from oil royalties, through a locally accepted digital currency. Despite the income improvement experienced by the population, there was a difficulty of envisioning the social improvement experienced by the beneficiaries of this type of project. Therefore, this study was proposed to investigate the social benefits linked to the sustainable development theme of Agenda 2030, perceived by the population. The methodological resources used in this research included a case report, application of questionnaires and bibliographic research. The main objective of this project was to study the transformation of the use and the understanding of the currency, from a tool of exclusion to its anti-capitalist role as a social currency. As results, there is enough evidence to support the thesis that the use of social currency brings local, economic and social benefits to the beneficiaries’ lives, creating a self-perception of increased quality of life. Thus, it becomes a strong ally in the pursuit of sustainable development.