Capital social e população com deficiência : o caso da Federação das Apaes do Estado de Minas Gerais (FEAPAES-MG)

Abstract

Research on disability is a very recent development in academia, and there is scarce research currently debating third sector organizations and the way they build their networks for the inclusion and promotion of the rights of disabled population. This study is aimed at describing and analyzing the Social Capital of people with disabilities in the case of the Federation of APAES of the State of Minas Gerais (FEAPAES-MG), according to the theoretical postulate of political scientist Robert Putnam and sociologists Claus Offe and Susanne Fuchs. Primary data were obtained from the application of a survey-type questionnaire, and secondary data was drawn from information on the Management System of Agreements and Transfer Contracts (SICONV), and from the Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA). Interviews were also conducted with the State Council for the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CONPED), and FEAPAES-MG. The survey sample was composed of more than 90% by APAES-MG. The results present an overview of these third sector organizations that displays little volunteering (low level of voluntary engagement of citizens in favor of the social inclusion of the disabled) and a strong dependence on the Federation regarding contracting with the State and funding through parliamentary amendments. It is hoped that this investigation will stimulate reflection on the topic and its implications for the disabled community.