Imigração, ciência e saúde: controle de riscos e expansão de direitos na Bacia do Rio da Prata (1873-1911)

Abstract

This paper analyzes how immigration process in the Rio de Plata Basin countries, specifically Brazil and Argentina, promoted inflexions in the sanitations agreements in the end of 19th century. The port is a device within in which are defined knowledge and standards and are established interventions on people in transit, particularly immigrants. The barriers in the agreements between these countries were not only related to controversies within medical and scientific communities but also to political and economics tensions linked to the labor immigrants disputes. In the beginning of 20th century, we can see a shift of interest and issues related to public health: epidemic control was not enough. The states must guarantee some benefits to the populations, especially heath care. This new view is analyzed according to the understanding and uses of the liberal ideology concerning risk self-regulations, collectivization of welfare and expanding of civil and social rights. This process is leveraged in parts by the inclusion of the immigrants in theses societies.