Sustentabilidade substantiva: uma análise compreensiva de racionalidades a partir do programa nacional de alimentação escolar (PNAE)

Abstract

The general objective of this thesis is to understand the rationalities for healthy and sustainable eating based on the National School Feeding Program (PNAE). The specific objectives correspond to the objectives of each of the three articles from which this thesis is structured. Article one aims to understand the constituent elements of the food system aimed at sustainability from a meta-synthesis. We searched the Scopus database and initially selected 1,362. After reading the titles and abstracts of the articles and using inclusion and exclusion criteria, we were left with twelve studies which make up this meta-synthesis. As a result, we pointed out that the elements that emerged through the analytical synthesis of the articles act to favor or impede the transition to healthy and sustainable food systems and act in four dimensions: production, supply, marketing and consumption; as well as throughout the food system. As a theoretical contribution, this research explains the elements and drivers of the sustainable food system and, as a practical contribution, based on the drivers it is possible to develop action plans that involve different stakeholders and government actions for the development of public policies that promote healthy and sustainable food. Article two aims to understand the rationalities that underpin social practices for sustainable school feeding in municipalities in the state of Paraná. This study adopted a qualitative approach based on semi-structured scripts from which we conducted interviews with nutritionists, technical assistance and rural extension professionals and family farmers who supply PNAE. To operationalize the analysis of the interviews, we used the storytelling technique to achieve the comprehensive method of the Weberian ideal type. As a result, we found that the changes made to the law governing the PNAE and its resolutions have fostered practices that have substantive rationalities, approaching sustainability, and instrumental rationalities, distancing themselves from sustainability. As a theoretical contribution, the choice of analysis lens allowed us to identify the logics that promote or impede the transition to healthy and sustainable food. As a practical contribution, based on the results obtained, it is possible to create, expand or develop practices that foster logics in favor of the sustainability of the food system. Finally, the third article aims to propose an ideal type for mobilizing sustainability in public food policies, making up what is known as substantive sustainability. We used the comprehensive methodology and Max Weber's concept of ideal types. As a result, we pointed out that the ideal type of substantive sustainability proposed should be made up of production practices based on the principles of agroecology, alternative and democratic food networks and healthy and sustainable food consumption. Institutional change must consider planetary boundaries, the health of the population, social equity and ethical values in decision-making in order to promote a better future - and present - for society as a whole, in which substantive sustainability is translated into government practice. In this way, this thesis establishes that we need to promote public policies supported by substantive sustainability, which has the capacity to subvert instrumental logic, taking into account the well-being of the population and the health of the planet.